come to blows
Start throwing punches
Come to blows means to start physically fighting after a dispute escalates: The argument got heated, and they nearly came to blows.
The phrase emphasizes the transition from verbal conflict to actual violence—blows being punches or strikes.
It often appears in the negative to indicate restraint: They disagreed sharply but never came to blows.
- brawlDisorderly group fight
- get physicalEngage in bodily contact
- fightPhysical or verbal conflict
- quarrelAngry verbal dispute
- fisticuffsHand-to-hand combat
altercation · scuffle · clash · duke it out · tussle · fracas · dispute · melee · duel · grapple · battle · scrap · skirmish · square off · joust · combat · go at it · throw hands
come to blowsmake peace
Resolve conflict between parties
talk it out · negotiate · find common ground · come to terms · compromise
come to blowsget along
Maintain friendly relations
keep the peace · see eye to eye · embrace · befriend · bond
come to blowsback down
Withdraw from a stance
stand down · cool off · walk away · de-escalate · calm down
come, blow, welcome, become, coming, overcome, blown, outcome, came