put up dukes

put up (one's) dukes

old-fashioned To raise one's fists in preparation for a fight. Often said as a command. I put up my dukes, expecting him to strike me at any moment. I ain't gonna let nobody insult my good character—come on and put up your dukes!
See also: duke, put, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

put up one's dukes

Fig. to be prepared to fight. He's telling you to put up your dukes. Put up your dukes and be a man!
See also: duke, put, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • put up (one's) dukes
  • Put up your dukes!
  • What say (one)?
  • What say you?
  • What say?
  • scrape acquaintance with
  • scrape acquaintance with (someone)
  • scrape an acquaintance with somebody
  • scrape up an acquaintance
  • scrape up an acquaintance with (someone)