English · Greetings & Phrases
break the ice
/breɪk ði aɪs/
[/breɪk ði aɪs/]
ease social tension
Intermediatephrase
Definition
To do or say something to relieve tension and start a conversation among strangers.
Example
He told a funny story to break the ice, and soon everyone at the table was laughing together.
He told a funny story to break the ice, and soon everyone at the table was laughing together.
Etymology
From the literal breaking of ice to let ships pass; figurative use dates to the 16th century.
How & Where It’s Used
Common in social and professional settings for easing first encounters.
Literary Heritage
Used figuratively by Sir Thomas North and later popularised through Byron's 'Don Juan'.