The phrase "puts up dukes" is a colloquial expression that means to prepare for a physical fight. The key word in this phrase is "dukes," which is a slang term for fists. The spelling of "dukes" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription as /djuːks/, with a long "u" sound and a silent "e." This phrase is commonly used in informal situations and carries a connotation of bravado or playful aggression.
"Put up your dukes" is an idiomatic expression originating from the sport of boxing. It is commonly used to indicate a person's readiness or willingness to engage in a physical fight or confrontation. When someone says "put up your dukes," they are essentially challenging the other person to a fight and urging them to assume a defensive boxing stance.
The phrase "put up your dukes" specifically refers to the act of raising one's fists in a boxing position. In boxing, the fists are the primary tool for punching, and raising them to a defensive position is essential for protecting oneself during a fight. By asking someone to "put up their dukes," the speaker is encouraging them to adopt a defensive posture to prepare for an imminent altercation.
The phrase is often used figuratively outside of actual physical confrontations, sometimes in a playful or lighthearted manner. It can imply a desire for a spirited argument or debate, rather than a literal physical fight. In this context, it suggests a readiness to defend or stand up for one's beliefs or opinions.
Overall, "put up your dukes" is an idiomatic expression used to convey a challenge or call to physical or verbal combat, derived from the boxing stance of raising one's fists in readiness for engagement.