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What does “break the ice” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
To say/do something to reduce tension when meeting
“A joke is a good way to break the ice.”
From the B2 lesson A People Person (getting along with people).
C1
To ease initial awkwardness, usually at the start of a meeting or gathering
“He told a joke to break the ice.”
From the C1 lesson Reading Between the Lines (honest communication).
Quick check
What does “break the ice” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“break the ice” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 1 (Life, People and Places) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
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Related phrases
- a people personsomeone who enjoys and is good with people
- hit it off (with someone)to start a friendly relationship quickly
- get on like a house on fireto get along extremely well, at once
- the life and soul of the partythe most fun, lively person at an event
- have a heart of goldto be very kind and generous
- rub someone the wrong wayto annoy or irritate someone
- see eye to eye (with someone)to agree completely with someone
- get off on the wrong footto start a relationship badly
- keep yourself to yourselfto stay private and not very social
- read between the linesto understand a hidden or implied meaning, not just the literal words
- beat around the bushto avoid saying something directly, out of hesitation
- pull no punchesto speak very directly and honestly, even if it's uncomfortable