pick up the gauntlet

• Relever un défi ou accepter une invitation à une compétition, une lutte ou une dispute. L'expression vient de la pratique médiévale où un chevalier jetait son gantelet en signe de défi ; le ramasser signifiait accepter le défi.

To accept a challenge or invitation to compete, fight, or argue. The phrase originates from the medieval practice of a knight throwing down a gauntlet (armored glove) as a challenge; picking it up meant accepting the challenge.

1. C1formal

   To accept a challenge or invitation to compete or fight.

   relever le défi

   • When the rival team boasted about their skills, our captain decided to pick up the gauntlet.
   • She picked up the gauntlet and agreed to debate the controversial topic.
   • He was ready to pick up the gauntlet and prove his abilities.