drop the gloves
To fight.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The two players dropped the gloves during the hockey game.”
“You should drop the gloves and stand up for yourself.”
“After the argument became too heated, he finally dropped the gloves and challenged his rival to a fight.”
“The two politicians dropped the gloves during the debate, attacking each other's personal lives instead of discussing their plans for the city.”
“When the neighbors started building a fence on her property, she dropped the gloves and hired a lawyer to stop them immediately.”
“Realizing that negotiation was no longer a viable path, the union leaders dropped the gloves and prepared for a long, public confrontation with the company.”
From the ice hockey regulation requiring players to shed their protective equipment before engaging in fisticuffs. The heavy, padded gloves are removed to allow a better grip on an opponent’s jersey and to ensure the bare knuckles can be used with maximum efficiency. It is a procedural prelude to a fight, signaling that a player has moved past the sporting formalities and into the business of striking blows.
- 01
a short drop and a sudden stop
A fall to one's death by hanging.
- 02
don't drop the soap
Used as a mockery to someone who is about to be or should be confined in prison.
- 03
drop a bollock
To make a mistake.
- 04
drop a bomb
Alternative form of drop a bombshell.
- 05
drop a bombshell
To announce surprising or alarming information suddenly and without warning.
- 06
drop a brick
To commit a faux pas, especially in speech, such as by tactlessly speaking of a subject that should not be mentioned.
- 07
drop a dime
To make a telephone call.
- 08
drop a hint
To reveal a clue or hint about something.
Last updated August 10, 2026