Crossword Genius

Operate that desolate rental and face criticism (3,3,8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

run the gauntlet

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'face criticism' is the definition.
'run the gauntlet' can be an answer for 'face' (thesaurus). I am not sure about the 'criticism' bit.

'operate that desolate rental and' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'operate' could be 'run' (synonyms) and 'run' is present in the answer.
'and' could be 'n' (common abbreviation for 'and') and 'n' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for run the gauntlet that I've seen before include "face harsh criticism" , "face punishment" , "Expose oneself to harsh criticism or disgrace" , "undergo punishment" , "Expose oneself to hostile treatment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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