ENGLISH
REFERENCE

run the gauntlet

idiom
Meaning

To undergo a series of tests or challenges.


Origin

disputed origin

From a corruption of run the gauntlope, run the gantelope. More at gantlope.

Examples
SIMPLE

You must run the gauntlet of interviews to get this job.

CONTEXTUAL

The new product had to run the gauntlet of safety tests before the company could sell it to the public.

COMPLEX

The young politician had to run the gauntlet of aggressive questioning from the press during her first week in office.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    break into a run

    To start running.

  2. 02

    common run

    Ordinary persons, things, or events.

  3. 03

    dry run

    A practice or rehearsal; especially, one that goes through all the motions of a physical process but without the raw material or workpiece present.

  4. 04

    dummy run

    A trial or practice before the real attempt.

  5. 05

    good run

    Success over an extended period.

  6. 06

    hit and run

    A road accident in which a driver hits someone and then drives away without stopping to help or take responsibility.

  7. 07

    hold with the hare and run with the hounds

    To oppose an action or behavior and yet engage in the same action or behavior; to be a hypocrite.

  8. 08

    learn to walk before one can run

    Before one can perform a complicated task, one has to learn how to perform more simple tasks.

Last updated April 17, 2026