[come] to blows
1
(of two or more people) to get into a serious verbal argument or begin attacking each other physically because of a prior disagreement
The idiom "come to blows" likely originated from the literal act of physical fighting or brawling. This expression is used to signify a situation in which disagreements or conflicts have escalated to the point where the involved parties resort to using physical violence or engaging in a physical altercation.
- The heated argument between the neighbors eventually came to blows, resulting in a call to the police.
- At the crowded concert, a dispute over seating escalated, and it came to blows when security had to intervene to restore order.
- The disagreement between the two political leaders came to blows as they physically confronted each other during a televised debate.