drop the gloves

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiomsport

   In ice hockey, to take off one's gloves and start a fight with an opposing player.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase, often with 'and' or 'to': 'He dropped the gloves and fought.'

   Patterns

   • drop the gloves with someone
   • drop the gloves against someone

   The two enforcers dropped the gloves early in the first period.

   He dropped the gloves with the opposing captain after a hard hit.

   Fans cheered when the players dropped the gloves.

2. 2phraseidiomfigurativeinformal

   To become more aggressive or ready to fight, especially in politics, business, or an argument.

   Grammar: Used figuratively; often followed by 'over' or 'on' to show the issue.

   Patterns

   • drop the gloves over something
   • drop the gloves on an issue

   The two candidates finally dropped the gloves and attacked each other's policies.

   The companies dropped the gloves over the new contract.

   When the debate turned to taxes, they really dropped the gloves.

Common combinations

drop the gloves with someone

The rookie dropped the gloves with the veteran.

drop the gloves against someone

He dropped the gloves against his old teammate.

drop the gloves over something

The senators dropped the gloves over the budget.

drop the gloves and fight

The players dropped the gloves and fought.

Synonyms and how they differ

fight

General word for any physical or verbal struggle; 'drop the gloves' is more specific to hockey or figurative aggression.

square off

Means to prepare to fight or compete, but does not necessarily involve removing gloves.

go at it

Informal, means to start fighting or arguing energetically; less specific to hockey.

Opposites

Commonly confused: drop the gloves or take the gloves off?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “drop the gloves”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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