get physical

Idioms  

1. 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

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

Plan to get physical: Every family member should be dressed as if someone is about to yell “activate dance mode” at them — nigh a certainty in this scenario.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2023

The worst-case scenario for any data center operator is that attackers somehow get physical access to clients’ servers and install malicious code or additional equipment, Henry said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2023

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

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick