Run the gauntlet

verb phrase

To face tough challenges, often one after another.

John had to run the gauntlet of interviews before getting the job.
Visual representation of "run the gauntlet" - To face tough challenges, often one after another.

Often appears as...

  • run the gauntlet of criticism
  • run the gauntlet of tests

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb phrase

Subject to public attack or criticism.

The politician had to run the gauntlet of public opinion during the scandal.
Visual representation of "run the gauntlet" - Subject to public attack or criticism.

Often appears as...

  • run the gauntlet of media criticism
  • run the gauntlet of condemnation

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic,Literary

verb phrase

To face tough challenges, often one after another.

John had to run the gauntlet of interviews before getting the job.
Visual representation of "run the gauntlet" - To face tough challenges, often one after another.

Often appears as...

  • run the gauntlet of criticism
  • run the gauntlet of tests

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb phrase

Subject to public attack or criticism.

The politician had to run the gauntlet of public opinion during the scandal.
Visual representation of "run the gauntlet" - Subject to public attack or criticism.

Often appears as...

  • run the gauntlet of media criticism
  • run the gauntlet of condemnation

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic,Literary

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "run the gauntlet"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Challenge Progression

Implies facing a series of escalating challenges, not just one.

Illustration for Challenge Progression
As a small start-up, they had to run the gauntlet of financial hurdles to become profitable.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Tough Journey

Metaphorically pictures a difficult path with several obstacles.

Illustration for Tough Journey
The new law will have to run the gauntlet of approval from various stakeholders.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Success at End

While difficult, successfully running the gauntlet usually means overcoming the challenges.

Illustration for Success at End
She ran the gauntlet of a strict training program to win the championship.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Challenge Progression

Implies facing a series of escalating challenges, not just one.

Illustration for Challenge Progression
As a small start-up, they had to run the gauntlet of financial hurdles to become profitable.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Tough Journey

Metaphorically pictures a difficult path with several obstacles.

Illustration for Tough Journey
The new law will have to run the gauntlet of approval from various stakeholders.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Success at End

While difficult, successfully running the gauntlet usually means overcoming the challenges.

Illustration for Success at End
She ran the gauntlet of a strict training program to win the championship.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Challenge Progression

Implies facing a series of escalating challenges, not just one.

Illustration for Challenge Progression
As a small start-up, they had to run the gauntlet of financial hurdles to become profitable.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Tough Journey

Metaphorically pictures a difficult path with several obstacles.

Illustration for Tough Journey
The new law will have to run the gauntlet of approval from various stakeholders.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Success at End

While difficult, successfully running the gauntlet usually means overcoming the challenges.

Illustration for Success at End
She ran the gauntlet of a strict training program to win the championship.
Visual representation of the word "Run the gauntlet"

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