To run the gauntlet 

To run the gauntlet is when you take on a very risky task which may result in injury, physical or verbal abuse, ridicule or shame. It can sometimes be played as a dare or challenge especially after consuming a large quantity of alcohol. If all goes wrong the consequences can be quite brutal to either yourself, someone else or a business or organisation i.e loss of a busineses reputation or a significant fall from grace. However, if all goes right then it installs a sense of pride and relief, though regardless of the result it will be a lesson learned and the task will never be repeated.

1) When playing spin the bottle and someone chooses the dare and thay have to run the gauntlet through a busy shopping centre in their birthday suit, without being caught.

2) When a company director has to face the board of shareholders and has to explain why the company is failing and what he/she/they are going to about it:

Colleague: "the shareholders are ready to see you now"
Director: "right! time to run the gauntlet, wish me luck!"

To run the gauntlet by Britney Sparkles June 2, 2025