break the ice

phrasal

1. : to make a beginning

2. : to get through the first difficulties in starting a conversation or discussion

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break the ice (figurative)

To get through first difficulties, esp restraint on first meeting

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Main Entry: ↑break

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break the ice

1. To break through the barrier of reserve or inhibition on first meeting

2. To move to restore friendly relations after a period of hostility

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Main Entry: ↑ice

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break the ice phrase

to do or say something that makes people feel less shy or nervous in a social situation

He told a few jokes to break the ice.

Thesaurus: to make someone less nervous or upset_synonym

Main entry: break

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I

see ice

II

do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going at the start of a party or when people meet for the first time

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break the ice — see ↑ice, 1

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Main Entry: ↑break

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break the ice

informal : to say or do something that helps people to relax and begin talking at a meeting, party, etc.

He told a joke to break the ice.

— see also ↑icebreaker 2

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Main Entry: ↑ice

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break the ˈice idiom

to say or do sth that makes people feel more relaxed, especially at the beginning of a meeting, party, etc.

see also ↑icebreaker (²)

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Jim organized a few party games to break the ice when people first arrived.

Main entry: ↑ice_idiom