WordVale

break the ice

to ease tension in a first meeting

In Idioms & Sayings

In more detail

(idiom) to do or say something to make people feel comfortable and friendly in a new or awkward situation

Examples

• She told a funny joke to break the ice at the first team meeting.

How to use break the ice

This idiom is used to describe the action of initiating friendly interaction or reducing discomfort when people first meet or encounter an awkward social situation. It typically refers to saying or doing something light, humorous, or engaging to make people feel more at ease and encourage natural conversation.

Common phrases

• break the ice with a joke
• break the ice at a party
• help break the ice
• break the ice between people
• a good way to break the ice
• break the ice with small talk

Synonyms

get the conversation started · ease the tension · warm up the atmosphere · loosen up · get people talking

Opposites

create awkwardness · heighten tension

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use this phrase literally when discussing actual ice, or fail to recognize it as figurative language about social interaction rather than a physical action.

Nearby in Idioms & Sayings

the tip of the iceberg, cut corners, bite the bullet, piece of cake, under the weather, cost an arm and a leg

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained