# put up one's dukes

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-up-ones-dukes
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- 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.

## 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). (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.