break the ice
Say it: break the ICE /ˌbreɪk ði ˈaɪs/ · idiom
What “break the ice” means
Help people feel relaxed and start talking when they first meet.
More precisely: To ease tension and get people talking when they first meet.
Example: “A silly quiz broke the ice at the start of the workshop.”
When to use it
In everyday conversation, for a friendly remark or activity that helps strangers feel comfortable together.
Similar words
get things going, warm up the room
Quick check
At your first choir rehearsal, a friendly joke gets the nervous newcomers laughing and chatting. What did the joke help do?
break the ice or clear the air?
Show the answer
break the ice
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