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to break the ice
01
to make two or more strangers get comfortable with each other and engage in a conversation
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "break the ice" and when to use it?
The idiom "break the ice" originates from the custom of ships breaking through ice formations in colder regions to create a navigable path for other vessels. In a figurative sense, this expression is used to emphasize the idea of making a situation more comfortable and approachable, much like breaking through the initial barriers of ice.
Examples
He told a lighthearted joke to break the ice at the beginning of the meeting.
