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break the ice
/breɪk ðə aɪs/◆idiom
start a conversation in a social setting
At the networking event, John told a joke to break the ice.
John used humor to start a conversation and ease tension.
informal
To initiate conversation or ease tension in a social setting, especially when people are meeting for the first time.
The host played icebreaker games to break the ice before the meeting.
The host used games to help people feel more comfortable and start talking.
She asked about everyone's weekend to break the ice.
She used a casual topic to start a conversation and make people feel at ease.
This phrase is commonly used in social, professional, and educational settings to describe actions that help people relax and engage in conversation.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Use in Social Settings
This phrase is useful in situations where you want to encourage conversation, such as meetings, parties, or first encounters.
Gold Rule
Appropriate Context
Use 'break the ice' when referring to actions that help people feel more comfortable and start talking, not for literal ice-breaking.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from the literal act of breaking ice to allow ships to pass, metaphorically representing the removal of barriers to communication.
Usage Notes
This idiom is widely used in English-speaking countries and is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts where social interaction is needed.
Word Breakdown
break
to cause something to separate or divide
rootthe ice
a barrier or obstacle to communication
metaphorEnglish Dictionary