break the ice
/ˌbreɪk ði ˈaɪs/NEUTRAL · B2
Meaning
to help people who have just met feel more relaxed
Examples
- 1Our new neighbours broke the ice by inviting the whole street round for tea.
- 2A quick game at the start of the workshop is a good way to break the ice.
- 3Nobody at our table knew each other until Sam broke the ice with a silly joke.
- 4How do you break the ice when you start a new job and don't know anyone?
- 5The family reunion felt stiff at first, so Gran got the photo albums out to break the ice.
Grammar
Only break changes form: broke, broken. Keep the ice with the. The related noun is an icebreaker.
More idioms about weather
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →a breath of fresh airsomeone or something new that makes things more excitingthe calm before the storma quiet period just before trouble or great activitytake a rain checkto refuse an invitation politely but suggest another timeevery cloud has a silver liningthere is something good in every bad situationweather the stormto get through a difficult period without serious harmcome rain or shinewhatever happens, in any conditions
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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