break the ice
English
Etymology
By application of the metaphor that strangers are socially separated by ice.
Pronunciation
- (US, UK) IPA(key): /ˈbɹeɪk ði ˈaɪs/
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb
break the ice (third-person singular simple present breaks the ice, present participle breaking the ice, simple past broke the ice, past participle broken the ice)
- Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: 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. (Can we add an example for this sense?)
- To surmount initial difficulties; to overcome obstacles and make a beginning.
Derived terms
- icebreaker
- shatter the ice
Translations
to start to get to know people, by avoiding awkwardness
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