throw a punch

Idioms  

1. Deliver a blow with the first, as in He was furious enough to throw a punch at the other driver. This term originated in boxing but has been extended to less formal fisticuffs as well. [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

And I’m really thankful for the stunt team that we had, because there’s only so many different ways that you can throw a punch.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2024

Laraine was a bright, fierce woman who could throw a punch and knew the craft of cooking well.

From Seattle Times • May 14, 2023

“We are not allowed to throw a punch until we get hit. In any emergency, we are bound hand and foot because we set advanced limits on ourselves about when to respond.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 15, 2023

England "didn't throw a punch" in their defeat against 14-man Australia, hooker Jamie George says.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2022

Before either could throw a punch, a familiar voice said, “Hang on, Dennis, we’ll get this sorted,” and Martin stepped out of the crowd to wedge himself between them.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs