throw down the gauntlet

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.

Confronting an authoritarian strongman about his war crimes, Mon Mothma’s address to the Galactic Senate sees the future leader of the Rebel Alliance throw down the gauntlet against Emperor Palpatine.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2025

So here’s a YouTube clip of the current definitive live-action Pac-Man to throw down the gauntlet.

From The Verge • Aug. 9, 2022

After scoring the goal that sealed Manchester City’s progress to the semifinals, Phil Foden appeared to throw down the gauntlet to Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 16, 2021

Its chair Maria Millerpromised she would "throw down the gauntlet to companies such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Twitter".

From The Guardian • Jun. 19, 2013

But they are weak, they are afraid of offending, they don't like to say "No," and thus they throw down the gauntlet and are soon on the broad road to ruin.

From Pushing to the Front by Marden, Orison Swett