# come to blows

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/come-to-blows
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To fight; to initiate physical conflict, especially subsequent to escalating tension or antagonism.

## Examples

- The two neighbors almost came to blows over the fence.
- The argument grew so heated that the two business partners nearly came to blows in the meeting room.
- After hours of bitter disagreement regarding the inheritance, the siblings finally came to blows, shattering the long-standing peace within the family home.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.