# put someone on ice

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-someone-on-ice
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To postpone or delay an interaction with someone.

## Examples

- They decided to put the project on ice for now.
- The manager put the new hire on ice until the budget issues were resolved.
- After the initial negotiations stalled, the board chose to put the merger on ice indefinitely while they assessed the market risks.

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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.