Meaning of Idiom Break the Ice
1. To break the ice means to do something to initiate conversation or get something started in a very tense or formal situation.
2. To overcome the initial shyness or relieve tension in a new social situation such as when people first meet.
3. To make it possible, or pave the way, for something to happen by one’s actions.
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Sentence Examples
“The party was a little slow at first but Bobby broke the ice by offering everyone wine and beer.”
“Both men were hesitant to make an offer but someone had to break the ice and throw out a number.”
“Rosa Parks knew someone had to break the ice and be the first to refuse to sit at the back of the bus.”
“The Drive was invented following research into finite improbability often used to break the ice at parties by making all the molecules in the hostess’s undergarments leap one foot to the left.” — The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
“Are you Leo Getz?” “That’s me, Leo Getz. Whatever you need, Leo gets. You get it? I use that to break the ice when I meet people.” — Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)
“Oh, well, maybe we should grab a bottle of wine first, kind of break the ice.” — The Family Man (2000)
Origin
Used since the early 1600s, this idiom alludes to breaking the ice in a channel so a ship can pass through.
More Idioms Starting with B
More Break Idioms
- If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
- All Hell Breaks Loose
- Glass Ceiling
- Break the Fourth Wall
- Give Someone a Break
More Ice Idioms