Meaning: This idiom means to do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social setting, often among people who are meeting for the first time or who are not yet comfortable with each other.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “She told a funny story to break the ice at the start of the meeting.”
- “The party games really helped to break the ice and get everyone talking.”
- “He broke the ice by complimenting her on her presentation.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “break the ice” can be traced back to maritime practices and social customs. In the context of maritime travel, the phrase originally referred to breaking ice in frozen waters to allow ships to pass through, facilitating navigation and communication. Similarly, in a social context, breaking the ice metaphorically describes making the first move to ease communication and interaction, just as breaking physical ice clears the way for travel. The idiom has been used in English since at least the 16th century, capturing the idea of initiating conversation or interaction to overcome initial awkwardness or formality.
