come to blows

Definitions

1. To fight; to initiate physical conflict, especially subsequent to escalating tension or antagonism.
   idiomatic
2. To degrade into a fight or physical conflict (in reference to an argument or to a situation of tension or antagonism).
   impersonal

Equivalents

Examples

“I'll follow⟳ you, Floating Tom, into the Mingo camp, on such an arr'nd, and will strive to do my duty, should we come⟳ to blows; though, never having been tried in battle, I don't like⟳ to promise⟳ more than I may be able to perform⟳.”

“[T]here is a variety of drunkenness. . . . Some stagger about in each other's arms, whispering maudlin words—others start⟳ quarrels upon the slightest pretext, and come⟳ to blows and have⟳ to be pulled apart.”

“The argument grew heated and teammates grabbed the pair to prevent⟳ them from coming to blows.”

“Iraqi security forces and peshmerga almost came to blows in the disputed area of Khanaqin, in Diyala province, after Iraqi troops tried to enter⟳ the mixed town.”

“They exchanged insults, without it coming to blows.”

CEFR level