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

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

From Reuters • Oct. 27, 2022

In normal times, this wouldn't matter but in the pandemic it can mean having to run the gauntlet of roadblocks to travel from where you live to where you work.

From BBC • Oct. 6, 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

Fiat taxis run the gauntlet, honking promiscuously above Arabic monologs droning from speakers.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro

run the gauntlet

Example Sentences

Related Words