Violence

The idiom "lay a finger on someone", while not having a specific historical origin, is based on the literal idea of using one's hands or fingers to cause harm. This expression has been a part of the English language for many years, emphasizing the idea of causing harm or injury through physical contact.

The idiom "knuckle sandwich" originated in the early 20th century as slang for a punch to the face or a physical blow, often in the form of a fist to the mouth or nose. The phrase is a playful way of describing a violent action and is meant to sound more lighthearted than a real threat, despite its aggressive undertones.

The idiom "knock one's block off" is an informal and colorful expression that originated in the early 20th century. It means to punch or strike someone in the head with great force, often as a threat or in a fit of anger. The "block" refers to the head, and the phrase is used figuratively to emphasize the idea of delivering a powerful blow to someone's cranium.

The idiom "have a go" has a British origin and is rooted in the idea of attempting something or taking action. It dates back to the 19th century and is commonly used in British English. It can also be used to describe an aggressive or confrontational action, especially in the context of attacking a person or place to hit or destroy them.

The idiom "clean one's clock" is believed to have originated in the United States and is related to the world of boxing and physical confrontations. The expression "clean" emphasizes the thoroughness or decisiveness of the victory, while "clock" refers to the opponent's face, particularly the face of a person who has been on the receiving end of a powerful blow. It is primarily is used to describe a situation where one person hits or strikes another person harshly during a fight or conflict.

The idiom "beat someone to a pulp" is believed to have originated from the literal act of physically beating someone until their flesh is severely bruised, and their face or body resembles a pulpy, mangled state. This expression vividly describes a brutal and merciless beating, often used figuratively to convey a complete defeat or overwhelming victory in a non-physical context.

The idiom "beat the pants off someone" is an informal expression that signifies a decisive and overwhelming victory or success in a competition, task, or endeavor. The origins of this phrase are not precisely documented, but it likely stems from the idea that someone's defeat is so severe that even their clothing is figuratively knocked off them, leaving them exposed or embarrassed.

The idiom "whale on someone or something" is an informal expression used to describe physical aggression. Its origins can be traced back to the imagery of a whale thrashing about in the water, using its immense power to hit something forcefully. In this context, the idiom is typically used to convey a sense of vigorously and repeatedly striking or attacking a person or object through physical force.

The idiom "trade punches" originated from the world of boxing and combat sports, where two opponents engage in a physical fight by literally exchanging blows or punches. This expression has been figuratively extended to describe any situation where individuals or parties confront each other physically, often indicating a competitive or confrontational nature.

The idiom "come to blows" likely originated from the literal act of physical fighting or brawling. This expression is used to signify a situation in which disagreements or conflicts have escalated to the point where the involved parties resort to using physical violence or engaging in a physical altercation.

The idiom "make mincemeat of someone or something" dates back to the 17th century and originated as a figurative expression, suggesting the complete and forceful defeat of someone or something, much like how meat is minced into tiny pieces for dishes like pies or sausages. It can be used to describe physically beating or defeating someone severely.

The idiom "lay a glove on someone" has its origins in the sport of boxing, where the act of landing a punch with a glove on an opponent signifies a successful hit or blow. The expression dates back to the 18th century and is often used to emphasize the difficulty or the rare achievement of actually hitting someone, as boxing matches involve a degree of skill and agility to both attack and defend.

The idiom "be in the wars" has its origins in military and combat terminology. It is believed to have been used since the 18th century and refers to a person who has experienced physical injury, hardship, or a series of unfortunate events that might result in physical or emotional distress.