English idiom

break the ice

Register · Neutral CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

To do or say something that eases tension and gets people talking comfortably in an unfamiliar social situation.

Why this phrase?

Evokes ships breaking through frozen water to clear a path for others.

Example

“She told a quick joke to break the ice before the meeting began.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

drop someone a line

to get in touch by sending a short note, message, or email

lend an ear

to listen to someone attentively and with sympathy

get one's message across

to make people understand what you mean or want to say

pop the question

To propose marriage to someone.

sweet nothings

affectionate romantic words that flatter but say little of substance

cap in hand

in a humble or pleading manner when asking someone for help or a favor

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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