Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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verb
To raise one's clenched fists in front of one's body and stand in a threatening or defiant manner, in preparation for a fistfight.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: idiomatic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To take firm action or to show oneself to be committed to such action, as when competing in a sporting event or other contest.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly, idiomatic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Possibly by analogy to a king or other ruler summoning his dukes, and by extension the duke's knights or other soldiers, to battle an enemy. Another possibility is Cockney rhyming slang as explained at duke. It could also be a convoluted--though erroneous--reference to the 9th Marquess of Queensberry (after whom the rules for modern boxing were initially named).
