ENGLISH
REFERENCE

put someone on ice

idiom
Meaning

To postpone or delay an interaction with someone.


Examples
SIMPLE

They decided to put the project on ice for now.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager put the new hire on ice until the budget issues were resolved.

COMPLEX

After the initial negotiations stalled, the board chose to put the merger on ice indefinitely while they assessed the market risks.

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