get physical

Idioms

Make physical contact, either forcefully or sexually. For example, Stop pushing—there's no need to get physical, or Thirteen is too young to get physical in that way. [Slang; second half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ritchson, according to the source, attempted to defuse the situation after Taylor allegedly dared him to get physical.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Canada will grab and jostle the U.S., get physical and hope to throw off their mojo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

There was a "verbal fight", the star said - but she insisted it "didn't get physical".

From BBC • Aug. 29, 2025

But according to WMAR-2 in Baltimore, Fairfax County Police indicated TMZ’s report was inaccurate and that Davis did not get physical with officers on the scene.

From Washington Post • Jan. 6, 2023

He’s not going one hundred percent and doesn’t get physical with anyone.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023