put up one's dukes
To raise one's clenched fists in front of one's body and stand in a threatening or defiant manner, in preparation for a fistfight.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He put up his dukes when the bully started shouting.”
“You should put up your dukes if you want to practice boxing.”
“The argument grew heated, and the man put up his dukes as if he were ready to fight.”
“The two brothers were just joking around in the backyard until one of them suddenly put up his dukes to start a play fight.”
“When the stranger tried to steal her bag, the brave woman put up her dukes and refused to let him get away.”
“Seeing his opponent refuse to back down, the boxer put up his dukes and prepared for the final round of the match.”
disputed origin
Possibly by analogy to a king or other ruler summoning his dukes, and by extension the duke's knights or other soldiers, to battle an enemy. Another possibility is Cockney rhyming slang as explained at duke. It could also be a convoluted--though erroneous--reference to the 9th Marquess of Queensberry (after whom the rules for modern boxing were initially named).
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026