He threw down the gauntlet by challenging the champion to a match.
word origin — From medieval knights — throwing a glove (gauntlet) to the ground formally challenged someone to a duel.
throw down the gauntlet, get your act together, sell someone down the river, break the ice, put something on ice: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 idioms from Idioms set 56. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
throw down the gauntlet · idiom/θroʊ daʊn ðə ˈɡɔntlət/
to issue a serious challenge
He threw down the gauntlet by challenging the champion to a match.
Origin: From medieval knights — throwing a glove (gauntlet) to the ground formally challenged someone to a duel.
get your act together · idiom/ɡɛt jʊr ækt təˈɡɛðɚ/
to take responsibility and improve your behavior
You need to get your act together if you want to succeed.
Origin: From American show business in the 1900s — performers had to organize their stage act properly to succeed.
sell someone down the river · idiom/sɛl ˈsʌmwʌn daʊn ðə ˈrɪvɚ/
to betray someone for personal gain
I trusted him, but he sold me down the river to save himself.
Origin: From American slavery — slaves were sold downriver to harsher plantations, a terrible betrayal by their owners.
break the ice · idiom/breɪk ðə aɪs/
to start a conversation in a way that makes people comfortable
I told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
Origin: From the 1500s — special ice-breaking ships cleared frozen waters so trade ships could safely follow behind.
put something on ice · idiom/pʊt ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɔn aɪs/
to postpone or delay something
Let’s put this discussion on ice and revisit it later.
Origin: From the 1800s — food kept on ice was preserved for later, neither used immediately nor thrown away.