break the ice

/bɹˈeɪk ðɪ ˈaɪs/

[phrase]

to break the ice

[PHRASE]

to make two or more strangers get comfortable with each other and engage in a conversation

Examples

1. Such profiles can help strangers break the ice before move-in day, but they can also cause alarm.

2. So this is just breaking the ice a little bit, getting their confidence up.

3. I was so nervous about meeting Samantha's parents for the first time, but her dad immediately broke the ice by asking about my car, and everything went great after that.

4. So, I always like to begin with some small talk to break the ice and make the other person comfortable.