Break the Ice
Meaning: To say or do something that makes people feel more relaxed when they first meet.
To "break the ice" means to say or do something that helps people feel less awkward when they first meet. The phrase comes from ships: when ice blocked the water, smaller boats called "icebreakers" cleared a path. Today, an "icebreaker" is also a quick question or game that gets people talking. For example, "Let's start with an icebreaker: what did you do this weekend?"
How to use it
Use it for the first awkward moments at a party, meeting, class or first date. It’s neutral, so it works at work and in casual talk. An “icebreaker” is a question, game or joke used to do this, and it’s very common in team meetings and classes.
Examples
- I told a short joke to break the ice before my presentation.
- Our manager started with a quick icebreaker so the new team could get to know each other.
- Nobody was talking at first, but the host’s dog broke the ice.
A common mistake
Say break the ice, not “crack the ice” or “melt the ice.” It’s for the start of a meeting or relationship, not for ending an argument. For that, say “make up” or “clear the air.”
Say it out loud
Tabbi Daily gives you one short lesson like this every day. Listen, record yourself and hear how you sound. Free, no account needed.
Source: The Phrase Finder