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.

The streamer noted he didn’t touch the Vulins during the interview or attempt to fight back after the confrontation started to get physical.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 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

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

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