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

Richard Hunter, head of markets at interactive investor, says Tesco’s move “may also throw down the gauntlet to some of its blue chip rivals, resulting in some other companies potentially following suit.”

From The Guardian • Dec. 2, 2020

Then came the time when he felt himself strong enough to throw down the gauntlet to the adherents of the old philosophy.

From Great Astronomers by Ball, Robert S. (Robert Stawell), Sir