history behind Phrases

[trina2304]

what is the history behind the phrase throw the gauntlet

[Quizmonster]

A gauntlet is the sort of glove worn by knights of old, usually armoured. The modern equivalent is the sort worn by motor-cyclists. In olden times, apparently, one knight would challenge another to do battle by throwing his gauntlet at his rival's feet. If he picked it up, the fight was on. Nowadays, we use the phrase in much the same way...to mean 'offer a challenge'.

[Sludge]

The phrase is "throw down the gauntlet".

[Quizmonster]

In fact, since the 1500s, 'throw, throw down, cast, cast out' and 'fling out' have all been used along with 'the gauntlet' to mean 'issue a challenge'.

[Sludge]

Aye, now you mention it I remember it well.