The spelling of the common phrase "come to blows" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The /k/ sound at the beginning is followed by the diphthong /ʌ/, pronounced roughly like "uh," and then the consonant blend /m t/. The final syllable contains the vowel /u:/. The spelling might be confusing at first since the word "come" is pronounced differently than its standard pronunciation, however, when said quickly, the phrase flows seamlessly. "Come to blows" is typically used to describe a situation in which an argument or dispute escalates into physical violence.
The phrase "come to blows" refers to a situation where a dispute or argument becomes physically violent, resulting in a physical confrontation or fight between two or more individuals. It is commonly used to describe a scenario where verbal exchanges have escalated to a point where the involved parties resort to physical violence in order to resolve their differences.
When two or more individuals "come to blows," it means that the disagreement or conflict has reached a level of intensity that cannot be resolved through peaceful means or negotiation. This physical confrontation often involves physical contact, such as punching, kicking, or wrestling, as a means of expressing frustration, anger, or asserting dominance.
The phrase is frequently used metaphorically to describe conflicts or disagreements that have escalated to a critical point, where compromise or peaceful resolution seems unattainable. It implies a lack of control or restraint from the involved individuals, suggesting that they have abandoned any attempts at peaceful discourse or negotiation, and have instead resorted to physical force and aggression.
Overall, "come to blows" signifies the transition from a verbal disagreement or argument to a physical altercation, indicating an escalation of tensions and potential violence in a dispute between two or more parties.