the handbags come out
A row intensifies; a dispute becomes heated.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The meeting got loud when the handbags came out.”
“The discussion about the budget was calm until the handbags came out and everyone started shouting.”
“As the negotiation stalled and personal insults were exchanged, it became clear that the handbags had come out, signaling a total breakdown in diplomacy.”
first recorded 21st c.
Coined c. March 2nd, 2004 by Jeremy St. Louis on the radio show Fox Sports World Report. Derives from women hitting each other with handbags during a catfight; compare earlier handbags, handbags at dawn.
- 01
appetite comes with eating
Starting an activity increases one's desire to continue it.
- 02
as they come
As it is possible to be.
- 03
blow to kingdom come
To totally destroy (something); to annihilate or wipe out (something).
- 04
burn that bridge when one comes to it
To anticipate dealing with a problem or situation either by acting in a manner that alienates or cuts ties with others, or merely with the expectation of encountering trouble.
- 05
Christmas come early
Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.
- 06
come a cropper
To suffer some accident or misfortune; to fail.
- 07
come a long way
To make significant progress.
- 08
come again
A polite formula used when one has not heard or understood what has been said, or to indicate surprise.
Last updated August 10, 2026