You can harmlessly spread a lot of energy difference over a large enough time, or a large enough surface.

The most relevant concepts are probably impulse [1] and inelastic collision [2].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impulse_(physics)

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inelastic_collision

Ah, yes. The perils of making comments at 2 AM.

I stand corrected.