2gauntlet noun
plural gauntlets [count] 1 : a metal glove worn with a suit of armor by soldiers in the Middle Ages 2 : a long, heavy glove worn to protect the hand
pick/take up the gauntlet
: to show that you are willing and ready to fight, argue, or compete with someone or to do something that is difficult but necessary : to accept or respond to a challenge
▪ The time has come for Congress to pick up the gauntlet and do something about this problem.
▪ The time has come for Congress to pick up the gauntlet and do something about this problem.
throw down the gauntlet
: to say or show that you are ready to fight, argue, or compete with someone : to challenge someone
▪ The company threw down the gauntlet and told the union that this offer for a contract was final.
▪ The company threw down the gauntlet and told the union that this offer for a contract was final.
— compare 1gauntlet
— gaunt·let·ed 
/ˈgɑ:ntlətəd/ adjective
▪ a gauntleted hand
/ˈgɑ:ntlətəd/ adjective ▪ a gauntleted hand
