run the gamut or the gambit...

[cyaxares_died]

I had the feeling there was a medieval torturing/execution technique "to run the gambit" where someone had to run the length of a"corridor" constituted by soldier with spears which they would use to poke at you as you came by. If you weren't dead at the end, you were probably set free or something.

I can't solve this question by googling nor by using a dictionary which makes it seem I must be way off. So please help me.

 

[emppu]

Try "running the gauntlet".

 

[bibliolept]

Correct. Gauntlet:

gauntlet, gantlet
a form of punishment in which a person is forced to run between two lines of men facing each other and armed with clubs or whips to beat the victim

 

[Nunty]

Bibliolept has given you the definition of "running the gauntlet".
"Running the gamut" means covering an entire range (of colors, ideas, types, etc.).
A "gambit" is a scheme or tactic.