physical

get physical

1. Of a situation, to be or become inclined toward or characterized by sexual physical contact. We dated for a couple of months before things got physical. I was having a great time with her, but I got nervous when it started getting physical.

2. Of a hostile situation, to escalate from a verbal confrontation to outright violence. If the kids start to bicker, you should try to separate them before they get physical. I'm used to them yelling at each other, but I was shocked when the argument got physical.

See also: get, physical

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

*physical

 (with someone)

1. . Lit. physical in the use of force against someone. (*Typically: be ~; get ~.) The coach got in trouble for getting physical with some members of the team. When the suspect wouldn't cooperate, the police were forced to get physical.

2. Fig. physical in touching someone in lovemaking. (*Typically: be ~; get ~.) I've heard that Bill tends to get physical with his dates. I don't care if he gets physical—within reason.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

get physical

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]

See also: get, physical

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

get physical

1 become aggressive or violent. 2 become sexually intimate with someone. 3 take exercise. informal

See also: get, physical

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017