break the ice
To start to get to know people to avoid social awkwardness and formality.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He told a joke to break the ice.”
“At the start of the meeting, she asked everyone a fun question to break the ice.”
“The teacher used a simple game on the first day to break the ice, hoping the nervous new students would relax and start talking.”
first recorded 16th c. disputed origin
From ships breaking ice to open a passage for others; used figuratively of social situations since the 16th century (Thomas North's Plutarch, 1579).
- 01
all bedlam breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 02
all hell breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 03
big break
A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.
- 04
break a leg
Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.
- 05
break a sweat
To put effort into something.
- 06
break cover
To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.
- 07
break down
To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.
- 08
break even
To neither gain nor lose money.
Last updated August 10, 2026