Phrase info Synonyms Antonyms

break the ice

Speech parts

1. break the ice - Verb

2. break the ice - Phrase

Meaning

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see break,‎ the,‎ ice.

(idiomatic) To start to get to know people to avoid social awkwardness and formality.
Including a few fun details in large group introductions can be a great way to break the ice.

(idiomatic) To introduce conversation.

To surmount initial difficulties; to overcome obstacles and make a beginning.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

In things that are tender and unpleasing, it is good to break the ice by some one whose words are of less weight, and to reserve the more weighty voice to come in as by chance. Francis Bacon

The easiest time to be funny is during a fairly serious situation. That way, you can break the ice. It's crazy, but even at funerals, people will get huge laughs. Adam McKay

Besides, that's one way to break the ice between co-stars. Source: Internet

Visitors of the lake, where fishermen break the ice on the surface and catch fish like Eskimos, take a ride with horse sleighs or walk around the ice-covered part of the lake, which look like glass since it has not snowed yet. Source: Internet

"It's light-hearted, a bit of fun, the girls have been around each other a bit now, but just to break the ice pretty much on the field is what I use it for." Source: Internet

In their first encounter, she tries to break the ice by describing her long, exhausting trip and he responds with, “You mean you took the train from New York? Source: Internet

Words in the phrase

Close letter words and terms