Episode 277: Throw Down the Gauntlet

This week Shauna and Dan Throw Down the Gauntlet to see what origin story comes out on top. Bonus: Secret Societies, Wizardless Duels, and 80s movies Dan hasn't seen

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Bunny Trails: A Word History Podcast
Episode 277: Throw Down the Gauntlet
Record Date: May 11, 2025
Air Date: May 21, 2025

Intro

Dan:
Welcome to Bunny Trails, a whimsical adventure of idioms and other turns of phrase.

I’m Dan Pugh

Shauna:
And I’m Shauna Harrison

Each week we take an idiom or other turn of phrase and try to tell the story from its entry into the English language, to how it’s used today.


Opening Hook
Have you ever been so fed up with someone that you were at your wit’s end? You are ready to call the other person or company out - you’re ready for them to answer to their claims or their actions. So you challenge them… you throw down the gauntlet.

Meaning

According to Oxford English Dictionary, the definition provided is:

Quote
to give a challenge, from the medieval custom of throwing down a glove or gauntlet in
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/gauntlet_n1?tab=meaning_and_use#3280140

According to Oxford English Dictionary, the phrase “throw down the gauntlet” has several variations including:
to cast (out) the gauntlet
to fling out (or down) the gauntlet
to throw the gauntlet
And in French - jeter le gant

Before we get further into this phrase, I want to quickly mention two similar and somewhat related expressions.

To take up the gauntlet means to accept a challenge.
To run the gauntlet means to endure a series of difficulties, criticism, or punishment.

While these phrases sound alike—and one is based on the same medieval tradition—they developed separately in the language. So today, we’re just focusing on gauntlets that are thrown.

I love this… this is one of those expressions that is rooted in something people actually did in real life. It was a well-established medieval custom: throwing down one’s gauntlet publicly was a literal gesture of defiance or honor challenge, and if another picked it up, it meant the challenge was accepted.

1548
We can see a great example of the phrase in its literal usage in the work commonly known as Hall's Union: Richard III. Compiled by Edward Hall, the full title is, The union of the two noble and illustrate famelies of Lancastre [and] Yorke beeyng long in continual discension for the croune of this noble realme. Here is an excerpt,

Quote
Making a proclamation, that whosoever would say that king Richard was not lawfully king, he would fight with him at the utterance, and throw down his gauntlet.
Makynge a proclamacion, that whosoeuer woulde saie that kynge Richard was not lawefully kynge, he woulde fighte with hym at the vtteraunce, and threwe downe his gauntlet.
End quote
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/gauntlet_n1?tab=meaning_and_use#3280140
https://williammorrislibrary.wordpress.com/2014/08/27/%C2%B6-hall-union-of-the-two-noble-and-illustrate-famelies-1548/


a1629
In William Hinde’s 1629 work, A faithfull remonstrance of the holy life and happy death, of John Bruen, we find an early example of the phrase used figuratively.

In short, this is an early figurative use of “throwing down the gauntlet,” applied to a spiritual or moral confrontation rather than a literal one.

Quote
And casting out as it were, his gantlet of defiance, against all the most sharpe and dangerous assaults that might encounter him, and be made against him; he challengeth them all…
End quote
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo2/A43854.0001.001/1:5.62?rgn=div2;view=fulltext

In this passage, the phrase “casting out as it were, his gantlet of defiance” is being used figuratively. He is described as preparing spiritually for death. Throwing the gauntlet is symbolic of his spiritual courage and defiance against fear, suffering, and death and not a literal physical challenge.

This is a great example of the shift in the phrase from a chivalric gesture to a broader metaphor for boldly facing or challenging adversity.

1793
The phrase was seen in the July 31, 1793 edition of the Gazette of the United-States out of New-York, New York.

Quote
...you did not hesitate at that moment, when your coasts were infested by a formidable fleet, when your territories were invaded by a numerous and veteran army, to pronounce the sentence of eternal separation from Britain, and to throw the gauntlet at a power the terror of whose recent triumphs was almost co-extensive with the earth..
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030483/1793-07-31/ed-1/seq-1/#date1=1756&index=0&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=gauntlet+throw&proxdistance=5&date2=1800&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=throw+the+gauntlet&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1

The phrase “throw the gauntlet” is clearly used figuratively in this example. It refers to issuing a bold challenge, specifically the American colonies declaring independence from Britain.

1854
The Weekly comet. [volume], August 13, 1854, Morning, Image 1
About The Weekly comet. [volume] (Baton Rouge, La.) 1853-1855

Quote
We take upon ourselves the championship; and now that we have the expressed feelings of a respectable body to justify us in the warfare, we throw down the gauntlet and defy all and singular, every jot of power that can be brought against us.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn86053662/1854-08-13/ed-1/seq-1/#date1=1835&index=1&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=down+gauntlet+throw&proxdistance=5&date2=1875&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=throw+down+the+gauntlet&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1

In the article, we learn that a member of a secret society or order - the Masons, the Odd Fellows, or the Sons of Temperance - died after a lifetime of community service. His body was claimed by the Catholic Church who held services for the deceased and multiple members of the orders were not allowed entry to the services. The three orders spoke together on the topic, likely to protect their secrecy.

1896
Birmingham state herald., June 21, 1896, Part Two, Image 13
About Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897
The phrase is used as a marketing gimmick on a full-page ad for J. Blach & Sons, One Price Cash Clothiers.

Quote
WE THROW DOWN THE GAUNTLET
As in the Days of Ancient Chivalry.
Let Them Who Dare Pick It Up!
Despite the enormous business we have done during the past month, the stock bought at the recent Force Sale is still very large, and
Must Be Sold.
The prices we name in our Force Sale will go thundering down the ages as the most remarkable sale—remarkable in cheapness of prices, remarkable in the beauty of the goods that are on sale. …
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85044812/1896-06-21/ed-1/seq-13/#date1=1875&index=0&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=DOWN+GAUNTLET+THROW&proxdistance=5&date2=1900&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=throw+down+the+gauntlet&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1


1916
The day book. [volume], November 22, 1916, LAST EDITION, Image 4
About The day book. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1911-1917

Quote
After assuring brotherhood leaders that organized labor of the nation was behind the railroad men, man for man, Gompers made this statement that carried away the house.
“All that I, as a man, can say in answer to you men of wealth is this:
‘Be careful-you are going too far! For there is a limit to human endurance. You throw down the gauntlet and we of the working class will accept the challenge and fight.’ ”
Benjamin Schlessinger, president of Ladies’ Garment Workers’ International union announced that a strike would be called in Chicago within three weeks that will affect 10,000 women employed in the waist, petticoat, skirt, wrapper, and corset industries of Chicago.
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045487/1916-11-22/ed-1/seq-4/#date1=1910&index=1&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=down+gauntlet+throw&proxdistance=5&date2=1926&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=throw+down+the+gauntlet&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1

In the statement by Samuel Gompers, he uses the phrase to rally the working class against the overreach of the wealthy. It was a pretty bold thing to do at the time.

1937
The phrase makes into a comic strip in The Bismarck tribune, dated November 03, 1937, out of Bismarck, North Dakota. It appears in the strip, The Gumps - Bim Means It This Time. The first pane of the comic depicts two men in suits talking, one is standing holding up his fist, a look of anger and determination on his face. He says,

Quote
Andy, my boy - I’ve made a momentous decision- I am going to throw down the gauntlet! I’m going to fight Moselle and her crooked lawyer to the bitter end - come what may!!
The other man replies -
That’s the spirit, Bim
End quote
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn85042243/1937-11-03/ed-1/seq-10/#date1=1930&index=0&rows=20&searchType=advanced&language=&sequence=0&words=DOWN+GAUNTLET+THROW&proxdistance=5&date2=1950&ortext=&proxtext=&phrasetext=throw+down+the+gauntlet&andtext=&dateFilterType=yearRange&page=1

The other man is sitting down and seems rather calm… it gives the impression that Bim says things like this with some frequency but perhaps does not pursue cases quite as angrily as her prepares for them.


We have several modern uses to cover and we’ll get to those, right after we say thank you to our sponsors.

A Quick Thank You
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Modern Uses

2012
Throwing Down the Gauntlet is the title of Season 3 Episode 5 of the tv show Rizzoli & Isles. The episode aired in 2012. Here’s a synopsis,

Quote
While investigating the murder of a young woman, found in a dumpster, Jane encourages Maura to find her biological mother. Meanwhile, Angela gets involved in a political campaign.
End quote
https://m.imdb.com/title/tt2393295/

Any of those three items could present a challenge worthy of gauntlet throwing.

2018
Malaphors.com is this beautiful place on the internet where a person’s verbal slip-up can be enshrined in internet history… The website’s headline is Malaphors: Unintentional blended idioms and phrases – It's the cream of the cake! Now, I don’t know about you… but I don’t really think I want my mistakes on blast. However, mixed metaphors and conflated idioms do happen with some frequency.

We’ll discuss the mistake one reporter made related to throwing the gauntlet in our behind the scenes which airs every Friday on our Patreon at patreon.com/BunnyTrailspod

2020
Throw the Gauntlet is an installment in the April May Snow Psychic Mystery Shorts series by M. Scott Swanson. The stories are stand-alones. Here is the synopsis of Throw the Gauntlet,

Quote
Concealing, my psychic 'Gifts' is exhausting.
I'll be happy when my brother Dusty grows up and finds a girlfriend.
I'd be grateful for Dusty's offer to help me move if we weren't trading favors.
Traipsing around a Renaissance fair is an agonizing price to pay.
Epic fail, Mama and I miscommunicated on the dress size, and it leaves me a little...exposed. But at least I'm not naked. Right?
There's nothing left for me to do but own my curvy sensual side as if I meant to tease the tantalizing knights and wizards at the event.
A lunatic poisons the crowd, and a nasty epidemic of Montezuma's revenge wreaks havoc. Sneaky cowards make me madder than a wet hen.
If that's not enough to knock the shine off the trip for me, it turns out a little known secret about a ghost in the castle is true. How do I know? Because I'm sleeping in the tortured spirit's room and she wakes me each night with a bloodcurdling scream.
Assuming we survive this nightmare, Dusty best not give me any lip about my furniture being heavy.
End Quote
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53297636-throw-the-gauntlet

2024
Throw Down the Gauntlet is a 2024 album by the band Amethyst from Switzerland.

Tracklist includes songs, Stand Up And Fight, Running Out of Time, Rock Knights, Queen Of A Thousand Burning Hearts, and several others. A lot of people have said they have a sort of 70s throwback style. I really enjoyed listening to them.
https://youtu.be/WvkbaY7OKXc?si=7cLBdrlW0Tn69wu4


2023
Throwing Down the Gauntlet (Freedom Fighter Series) is an art series featuring a gauntlet that was created by sculptor Kimberly Chapman in 2023. Here is part of the  description on her website,  

Quote
… A helmeted cameo with streaming hair signals a female-focused battle. Cameos were once used to commemorate personages associated with battle victories - such as Queen Elizabeth’s victory over the Spanish Armada. In this case, the profile personifies everywoman and a battle yet to be won. The thorns that line both sides of the gauntlet are protective and represent strength, determination and courage.
 
Today, women are wading through deep, unchartered waters. They have lost their right to make decisions over their reproductive selves. Now is the time to Throw Down the Gauntlet and reclaim a world with reproductive choice.
End quote
https://www.kimberlychapmansculptor.com/throwing-down-the-gauntlet.html

The piece must have taken ages to complete. There is a lot of detail and it’s really quite lovely while carrying such a heavy and powerful message.

2025
In her article on History.com titled, What does it mean to “throw down the gauntlet”?, Elizabeth Harrison discusses the phrases origin and connection to English royalty. The article was originally published in 2014 and updated in 2025. Here is an excerpt,

Quote
George IV’s coronation was the last time the champion actually performed the ceremony of throwing down the gauntlet.

Ten years later, William IV made significant cuts when he assumed the throne, and the champion was reduced to more modest duties.

At King Charles III's coronation in 2023 there was a champion but no gauntlet-throwing.

At the 1951 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the role of champion John Dymoke was simply to carry the royal standard. The banquet no longer takes place in Westminster Hall, and modern menus aren’t quite so extravagant.
End quote
https://www.history.com/articles/what-does-it-mean-to-throw-down-the-gauntlet

2025
I found a few videos featuring the home cleanser brand from South Africa called Sunlight. Cam.x.del on tiktok said,

Quote
We took on the Greasy Gauntlet Challenge with Sunlight Dishwashing Liquid - 3 tough dishes, 1 powerful cleaner!
End quote
https://www.tiktok.com/@cam.x.del/video/7500219929132551479
https://www.facebook.com/reel/669475406244728

I like this usage because you could apply more than one meaning to gauntlet… it could be the glove or it could be the demanding event and task of cleaning a series of tough dish cleaning. I also thought this was a fun challenge for social media. Just do the dishes!


Current
Throwing Down the Gauntlet is a featured topic on tvtropes.org. Here is part of the article,

Quote
Anybody can get into a fight, but it takes someone very confident, very desperate, or very pissed off to stand up and demand that someone fight them. And it takes a badass to do it with style.

This is Throwing Down the Gauntlet — so named for the medieval practice of literally throwing down one's actual gauntlet before the person one wanted to challenge, making it both Truth in Television and Older Than Print. It can take any number of forms, depending on the character and the reason for the challenge. It may include a Badass Boast or Badass Creed, a list of the reasons the challenger has for beating the challenged down, and a detailed description of the ways in which the challenged is now doomed. It might be a "No More Holding Back" Speech in which the challenger explains himself and how he's reached this point. It might be a calculated effort to goad the challenged into accepting the contest and fighting their hardest, either in order to test them or just because the challenger likes a good fight.

Whatever the form, Throwing Down the Gauntlet is the act of challenging someone to a fight or some other competition, preferably in the most badass way possible. This could result in a Duel to the Death, Ten Paces and Turn, Wizards Duel (if both are wizards, of course) or pretty much any type of fight that has rules involved.
End quote
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ThrowingDownTheGauntlet

The example they link to is a video clip from the movie Never Ending Story… the movie that did my generation dirty and turned us all into crying children… Seriously, you don’t have a heart if you can watch that movie without shedding at least a few tears. In the clip they reference, the hero Atreyu decides to fight Gmork, telling him that he is the warrior he seeks. It’s a turning point in the story and it’s a great moment.

Wrap up:
Throw down the gauntlet has to be one of my favorite phrases we’ve covered on the show. I’ve maybe said it myself a few times. But it’s got chops! If you use this phrase, people know you’re not playin’ around - you mean business. And it’s been used for a lot positive fights… by that, I mean, it seems to be used more by those who are fighting for something good or just - rather than just their own personal pride. When you’re ready to face the things that are in your way in life, go after it. Throw down the gauntlet!

Shauna:
That’s about all we have for today. If you have any thoughts on the show, or pop culture references we should have included, reach out to us on Patreon, patreon.com/bunnytrailspod, or comment on our website, bunnytrailspod.com

Dan:

It’s poll time!

Recently we asked our Patrons, “If you won the lottery, which of these would likely be the most true for you?”

It was an even split between those who said,
“I would only tell my family and friends”
and those who said,
“I'd keep it quiet and low-key for many years”.

Mary says:
Quote
My family would know but I would keep it pretty quiet. I would definitely be giving the kids and grandkids some of the spoils and then invest the rest making sure everything is left to a trust as well.
End Quote

Shauna, how would you handle it?

Shauna:
I would have to tell someone… like a finance, investment, money manager type person. And I’d tell my best friend. Because they would probably notice something. And depending on the amount, I might disappear… but not because I’d be hiding… it would be travel and a bit of a career shift.

Dan:
I'd keep it quiet. Kansas allows for winners to accept anonymously so I'd hire an attorney, a tax person, and check in with my financial planner. There would be no evidence seen from the outside except I’d paint the house, but that’s something that is overdue anyway so I’ll likely be doing that regardless. I’d still travel a bunch, but for different reasons. One thing that would change is I'd probably have a greater variety of food in my house instead of eating the same, budget-friendly food items all the time.

As a reminder, our silly polls mean absolutely nothing and are not scientifically valid. And patrons of all levels, including our free tiers, can take part. Head over to patreon.com/bunnytrailspod to take this week’s poll!

Outro

Dan:
Thanks for joining us. We’ll talk to you again next week. Until then remember,

Together:
Words belong to their users.