Definition

Noun: 1. A physical fight, especially a fistfight; a brawl: A "punch-up" is an informal British term for a fight involving hitting with fists, often sudden, unplanned, and not highly organized.

Usage

"Punch-up" is used as a countable noun, typically preceded by "a." It describes a specific instance of a physical altercation. * There was a punch-up outside the pub last night. * The political debate nearly turned into a punch-up.

Examples

• The two players were sent off after a punch-up on the field.
• It started as an argument but quickly escalated into a proper punch-up.

Advanced Usage

• To have a punch-up: This is the most common verbal construction used to describe being involved in such a fight.
  • The two rival fans had a punch-up in the car park.

Variants and Related Words

• Punch-up is a compound noun derived from the verb "punch." There is no direct verb form "to punch-up."
• Punch (v/n): To strike with a fist; the act of such a strike.
• Fight (n): A more general term for a physical confrontation.
• Brawl (n): A noisy, rough, and often public fight involving a group.

Synonyms

• Fistfight
• Brawl
• Scuffle
• Tussle (can imply a less serious fight)
• Altercation (more formal, can be non-physical)

Antonyms

• Reconciliation
• Truce
• Peace

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To come to blows: An idiom meaning to start fighting physically.
  • Their disagreement was so heated they almost came to blows.
• A bust-up: Another informal British noun very similar in meaning to "punch-up," though it can also refer to a serious argument without physical violence.
  • They had a real bust-up over money.

Noun

1. a fistfight
   • the quarrel ended in a punch-up