come to blows

verb2

1. •
   To fight; to initiate physical conflict, especially subsequent to escalating tension or antagonism.

   • The argument grew heated and teammates grabbed the pair to prevent them from coming to blows. — 1966
2. •
   To degrade into a fight or physical conflict (in reference to an argument or to a situation of tension or antagonism).

   • They exchanged insults, without it coming to blows.