take up the gauntlet
US /teɪk ʌp ðə ˈɡɔːnt.lət/
UK /teɪk ʌp ðə ˈɡɔːnt.lət/

1.
接受挑战, 应战
to accept a challenge or a dare
:
•
When his rival challenged him to a debate, he readily took up the gauntlet.
当他的对手向他发起辩论挑战时,他欣然接受了挑战。
•
The company decided to take up the gauntlet and develop a new product to compete with the market leader.
该公司决定接受挑战,开发新产品以与市场领导者竞争。