Phrase guide

run the gauntlet

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

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

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To undergo a series of tests or challenges.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From a corruption of run the gauntlope, run the gantelope. More at gantlope.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: juosta kujanjuoksua — to undergo a series of tests or challenges
  • French: affronter — to undergo a series of tests or challenges
  • French: braver — to undergo a series of tests or challenges
  • French: endurer — to undergo a series of tests or challenges
  • Hungarian: bírálat(ok) pergőtüzében áll — to undergo a series of tests or challenges
  • Hungarian: állja a támadásokat — to undergo a series of tests or challenges
  • Polish: podejmować wyzwanie — to undergo a series of tests or challenges
  • Polish: podjąć wyzwanie — to undergo a series of tests or challenges
  • Spanish: atravesar la tormenta — to undergo a series of tests or challenges