the handbags come out

Said when a skirmish breaks out that is very dramatic or emotionally charged, but in which little or no violence actually occurs. The phrase derives from the phrase "handbags at dawn," itself a pun on the clichéd "pistols at dawn," indicating a forthcoming pistol duel but instead alluding to women striking each other with their handbags. Primarily heard in Australia. The handbags have come out now, as both groups of players argue over the legitimacy of the referee's call. The handbags came out during the meeting, when Tony and the boss got into a spat over the direction of the project. I used to love coming on these forums for a bit of banter, but now it seems like the handbags come out whenever someone says anything the least bit risqué.