putting up one's dukes

Verb

put up one's dukes (third-person singular simple present puts up one's dukes, present participle putting up one's dukes, simple past and past participle put up one's dukes)

1. (idiomatic) 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.
   • The proceedings of the State Democratic Convention, held at Turner Hall, yesterday, were disgraceful enough to bring a blush even to the cheek of a Democrat. "Liar," "snide," "put up your dukes, if you want to fight," catcalls, hooting, and yelling filled up a greater part of the deliberations of...1886, Edward Money, The Truth about America, page 206
2. (broadly, idiomatic) To take firm action or to show oneself to be committed to such action, as when competing in a sporting event or other contest.
   • Well you're a real tough cookie with a long history
     Of breaking little hearts like the one in me
     That's okay, let's see how you do it
     Put up your dukes and let's get down to it1980, Eddie Schwartz, “Hit Me with Your Best Shot”, in Crimes of Passion, performed by Pat Benatar