break the ice

break the ice

1. Fig. to attempt to become friends with someone. •

He tried to break the ice, but she was a little cold.

•

A nice smile does a lot to break the ice.

2. Fig. to initiate social interchanges and conversation; to get something started. •

It's hard to break the ice at formal events.

•

Sally broke the ice at the auction by bidding $20,000 for the painting.

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{v. phr.}, {informal} 1. To conquer the first difficulties in starting a conversation, getting a party going, or making an acquaintance. * /To break the ice Ted spoke of his interest in mountain climbing, and they soon had a conversation going./ * /Some people use an unusual thing, such as an unusual piece of jewelry, to break the ice./ 2. To be the first person or team to score in a game. * /The Wolves broke the ice with a touchdown./