RUN THE GAUNTLET

v. phr. 1. To be made to run between two lines of people facing each other and be hit by them with clubs or other weapons. Joe had to run the gauntlet as part of his initiation into the club. 2. To face a hard test; bear a painful experience. Ginny had to run the gauntlet of her mother's questions about how the ink spot got on the dining room rug.