(~s)
1.
Gauntlets are long, thick, protective gloves.
...a pair of black leather driving ~s.
N-COUNT: usu pl
2.
If you pick up the ~ or take up the ~, you accept the challenge that someone has made.
She picked up the ~ in her incisive Keynote Address to the Conference...
Whoever decides to take up the ~ and challenge the Prime Minister will have a tough battle.
PHRASE: V inflects
3.
If you run the ~, you go through an unpleasant experience in which a lot of people criticize or attack you.
The trucks tried to drive to the British base, running the ~ of marauding bands of gunmen.
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR of n
4.
If you throw down the ~ to someone, you say or do something that challenges them to argue or compete with you.
Luxury car firm Jaguar has thrown down the ~ to competitors by giving the best guarantee on the market.
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR to n