The term 'Throws Down the Gauntlet' is an idiom that means to challenge someone or something. It comes from the medieval practice of throwing down a gauntlet, or metal glove, as a sign of defiance. The two crossword solutions for this term are 'Dares' (5 letters) and 'DEFIES' (6 letters). Both words mean to challenge or oppose someone or something, which is the same meaning as the idiom 'Throws Down the Gauntlet'.