run the gauntlet

VERB

go through an ordeal

Synonyms

WEAK

be a target be a whipping boy come to grips with court disaster face criticism face one's punishment go in harm's way go through fire and water march up to the cannon's mouth meet head-on take one's life in one's hands take potshots take the bull by the horns

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While some tankers have sailed through, several owners said they aren’t willing to run the gauntlet.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

But he added: "My guess is that the drone was launched from far closer in than that, as this would avoid it having to run the gauntlet of much of Moscow's defences."

From BBC • May 3, 2023

The ECB on Thursday may well reveal how it plans to run the gauntlet.

From Reuters • Oct. 27, 2022

“It’s a test of voters to run the gauntlet, to figure out these new rules and restrictions,” Hewitt said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 1, 2021

He had run the gauntlet of flames, risked his life several times in a futile effort to locate his young nieces and nephew, and barely managed to escape.

From "The Great Fire" by Jim Murphy

run the gauntlet

Example Sentences

Related Words