Crossword Genius

Handy thing to take up or run (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gauntlet

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'handy thing to take up' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gauntlet that I've seen before include "outdated military punishment" , "Glove of armoured leather, thrown down as a challenge" , "Handy thing to take up" , "It may be thrown down or run" , "Iron glove" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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