# take up the gauntlet

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-up-the-gauntlet
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To accept a challenge.

## Examples

- He challenged me to a race, so I took up the gauntlet.
- When the manager asked for volunteers to lead the difficult project, Sarah decided to take up the gauntlet.
- Faced with the daunting prospect of reforming the entire department, the new director took up the gauntlet with a quiet sense of purpose.

## Origin

See throw down the gauntlet. (Cf. French relever le gant)

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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.