run a gauntlet

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiomfigurative

   to go through a group of people who criticize, question, or attack you one after another

   Grammar: Used as a fixed phrase with a subject and often an object introduced by 'of': run a gauntlet of critics.

   Patterns

   • run a gauntlet of something
   • run the gauntlet

   The minister had to run a gauntlet of angry reporters outside the building.

   New teachers often run a gauntlet of complaints from parents in their first term.

   After the scandal, she ran a gauntlet of hostile questions from the committee.

2. 2phraseidiom

   to pass between two rows of people who hit or push you as a punishment or test

   Grammar: This literal use is less common today; it describes a historical punishment or initiation.

   Patterns

   • run the gauntlet

   In the past, soldiers could be forced to run the gauntlet as a punishment.

   The prisoner ran the gauntlet between two lines of guards.

Common combinations

run a gauntlet of criticism

The actor ran a gauntlet of criticism after his controversial speech.

run a gauntlet of questions

The spokesperson ran a gauntlet of questions from journalists.

run a gauntlet of protesters

Delegates had to run a gauntlet of protesters to enter the conference.

run the gauntlet

Anyone who disagrees with the boss has to run the gauntlet.

Synonyms and how they differ

face a barrage

This focuses on a large number of things coming at you at once, while 'run a gauntlet' suggests passing through a line of people.

go through the mill

This means to experience a difficult or unpleasant process, but it does not necessarily involve other people attacking you.

Commonly confused: run a gauntlet or throw down the gauntlet? run a gauntlet or pick up the gauntlet?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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