PhrasesHub

Run the gauntlet

    Definitions

      • go through a difficult or dangerous experience
        To endure a series of challenges or obstacles, often in a sequential manner

      • receive criticism or judgment
        To face a barrage of criticism or scrutiny from others

    Examples of Run the gauntlet

    • In order to reach her classroom, Sarah had to run the gauntlet of rowdy students in the hallway.

      The idiom "run the gauntlet" refers to facing a difficult or challenging situation. In this example, Sarah must navigate through a disruptive group of students in order to reach her desired destination. It implies that there may be obstacles or difficulties along the way, and that Sarah will have to persevere in order to succeed.

    • The group of students had to run the gauntlet of boisterous parents and teachers as they left the school building after the annual talent show.

      The phrase "run the gauntlet" is used when someone has to face a series of challenges or obstacles in order to reach their destination. In this example, the students had to navigate through a line of excited parents and teachers, who were waiting to congratulate the performers and wish them well. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, but the students remained focused and confident as they "ran the gauntlet" and made their way out of the school.

    • The runners had to run the gauntlet of boos and insults from the angry fans as they entered the stadium.

      In this example, "run the gauntlet" is used as a metaphor to describe the difficult and unpleasant experience of facing a hostile crowd. The origin of the phrase "run the gauntlet" refers to a historical punishment where the condemned had to run between two rows of soldiers who would hit them with sticks. The phrase has come to mean any situation where one has to face a series of challenges or obstacles.

    • The job interview was like running the gauntlet as the interviewer asked more and more difficult questions.

      Here, "run the gauntlet" is used to describe the challenging and intimidating experience of being interviewed for a job, where the questions asked are increasingly difficult, akin to facing a barrage of challenges in a gauntlet.

    • As she walked through the crowded market, she felt like she was running the gauntlet as people pushed past her.

      This example uses "run the gauntlet" to highlight the difficulty of navigating through a crowded and bustling marketplace, where people push and jostle each other, much like facing a series of challenges in a gauntlet.

    • She couldn't avoid running the gauntlet as she had to face her demanding and critical boss every day.

      In this example, "run the gauntlet" refers to the daily challenge of having to deal with a difficult boss, similar to facing a gauntlet that presents a series of challenges to overcome.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "run the gauntlet" is used to describe facing a series of challenges or obstacles, often in a sequential manner. It can also refer to enduring a barrage of criticism or scrutiny from others. The intention is to convey the idea of going through a difficult or dangerous experience, whether physical or emotional.

    The phrase is commonly used in situations where someone is facing a tough journey or encountering a string of difficult circumstances. It emphasizes the idea of having to navigate through a challenging situation, whether it be a physical obstacle course or a series of critical remarks.

    Origin of "Run the gauntlet"

    The origin of the idiom "run the gauntlet" can be traced back to the military practice of punishment in the 17th century. Soldiers who had committed offenses were forced to run between two lines of their fellow soldiers, who would strike them with sticks or other weapons as they passed. This punishment was known as "running the gauntlet."

    Over time, the phrase has evolved to encompass the idea of facing a series of challenges or criticisms. It has become a metaphor for enduring a difficult journey or encountering a string of obstacles. The idiom has maintained its original connotation of hardship and endurance, while also expanding to include facing verbal criticism or judgment.