# break the ice

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/break-the-ice
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To start to get to know people to avoid social awkwardness and formality.

## Examples

- 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.

## 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). (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.