ENGLISH
REFERENCE

keep someone on ice

idiom
Meaning

To keep someone uninformed and waiting for a response.


Examples
SIMPLE

They are keeping me on ice about the job offer.

CONTEXTUAL

The company kept the candidates on ice for weeks while they finished their final interviews.

COMPLEX

Despite his repeated inquiries regarding the contract, the manager continued to keep him on ice, offering nothing but vague promises of a future update.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  2. 02

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  3. 03

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  4. 04

    break the ice

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

  5. 05

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  6. 06

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  7. 07

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

  8. 08

    catch someone napping

    To take advantage of someone's inattention.

© 2026 English Reference