Throw down the gauntlet
The phrase "throw down the gauntlet" means to issue a challenge or invitation to a confrontation or competition. It originated from the medieval European practice of throwing down one's armored glove, or gauntlet, as a sign of challenge or defiance.
English is confusing! Why do people say "Pardon my French" when they are speaking English? Because of idioms!
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Does that sound fun? It can be!
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