PhrasesHub

Put up your dukes

    Definitions

      • prepare for a fight
        Encourage someone to get ready to engage in physical combat or defend themselves

      • challenge someone
        Playfully or seriously invite someone to a physical confrontation or competition

    Examples of Put up your dukes

    • The two fighters squared off in the ring, ready to Put up their dukes.

      In boxing, dukes are the gloves worn by boxers. When two fighters prepare to fight, they stand with their fists raised, ready to throw punches. The expression "Put up your dukes" is used to encourage someone to prepare for a fight, whether it's a physical confrontation or a verbal argument.

    • The politicians knew that it was time to Put up their dukes and debate the pressing issues facing the country.

      In this example, "Put up your dukes" is used figuratively to mean that it's time for people to prepare for a verbal fight or argument. In the context of politics, debates are often seen as a battle between opposing sides. Therefore, the phrase is appropriate and helps to convey the idea that it's time for the politicians to engage in a heated discussion about important issues.

    • When the two friends got into an argument over a minor issue, one of them challenged the other to Put up their dukes.

      Here, "Put up your dukes" is used to encourage two people to engage in a physical or verbal altercation. The expression is often used in situations when two people have disagreed about something and the argument has escalated to a point where a fight seems inevitable. In this context, it's a warning, telling the person being challenged to prepare themselves for a confrontation.

    • The quarterback signaled to his team to Put up their dukes and prepare for the snap.

      In this example, "Put up your dukes" is used to mean that the quarterback is signaling his team to get ready for the upcoming play. In football, the snap is the action that initiates the play, and the quarterback gives the command to snap the ball to the center. The use of "Put up your dukes" in this context is an exciting way to describe the quarterback's command, as it suggests that the quarterback is signaling his team to prepare for a crucial moment in the game.

    • In the boxing ring, the referee calls out, "Contestants, put up your dukes!"

      This idiom is used to signify the start of a fight or competition. In this case, the referee is instructing the boxers to prepare for battle by raising their fists.

    • During a heated debate, one participant may say to the other, "Put up your dukes, I'm ready to go toe-to-toe with you!"

      This idiom is used to indicate that someone is prepared to engage in a heated argument or disagreement. It refers to the boxing phrase where two fighters face off, ready to begin the match.

    • When playing a competitive game, such as poker, a player might say, "Put up your dukes, I'm not afraid to bluff!"

      This idiom is used to signify a player's confidence in their ability to win the game, even if it requires deceit or trickery. In boxing, raising one's fists can also be a sign of confidence and readiness.

    • During a political campaign, a candidate might say, "Put up your dukes, I'm ready to fight for my beliefs!"

      This idiom is used to indicate that someone is willing to defend their values or principles, even in the face of opposition or criticism. It highlights the determination and resilience required in a competitive political environment.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "put up your dukes" is used to either encourage someone to prepare for a physical fight or challenge someone to engage in a physical confrontation. It is often used in a playful or lighthearted manner, but can also be used in a more serious context to indicate a readiness for physical combat.

    Origin of "Put up your dukes"

    The origin of the idiom "put up your dukes" can be traced back to the 19th century, when the term "dukes" was slang for fists. The word "dukes" itself is derived from the Romani word "dook," meaning "fist." The idiom likely originated in the context of bare-knuckle boxing, where fighters would raise their fists, or "dukes," in preparation for a fight. Over time, the phrase became more widely used to indicate a readiness for physical combat in general.

    Examples of the idiom can be found in literature and popular culture, and it continues to be used today to encourage someone to get ready for a fight or challenge them to engage in physical competition.