break the ice
Initiate social interaction
To break the ice is to do or say something that eases tension or awkwardness in a social situation, especially when people are meeting for the first time.
The metaphor suggests penetrating a frozen surface to allow movement or flow underneath—in this case, the flow of conversation or connection.
An icebreaker is an activity or remark designed to accomplish this: The host suggested a game to break the ice at the party.
Initiates social exchange
- small talkPolite trivial conversation
- introductionPreliminary section or presentation
- greetingExpression of welcome
- openersThings that begin
mingling · networking · rapport · engage · chat · dialogue · approach · meet
conversation starter
Initiates social exchange
- small talkPolite trivial conversation
- introductionPreliminary section or presentation
- greetingExpression of welcome
openers · mingling · networking · rapport · engage · chat · dialogue · approach · meet · connect
thaw
Return to liquid
lighten · loosen · soften · relax · calm · soothe · unwind · melt · reassure · defuse
- breakbreakaway, breakdown, breakout, breakthrough, breakup
- common sayingsproverbs, idioms, cliches, maxims, adages
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, barking up the wrong tree
- Old Idiomsbeyond the pale, hue and cry, scot-free, knight in shining armor, eat humble pie
- temperature idiomscold shoulder, hot head, in hot water, cold feet, hot under the collar
- Weather Idiomsunder the weather, when it rains it pours, come rain or shine, rain check, take a rain check
break the icekeep one's distance
Remain apart from others
clam up · hold back · keep to oneself · cold shoulder · rebuff
break the icesay nothing
Refrain from speaking
keep mum · hold one's tongue · keep one's mouth shut · stonewall · shut down
break, broken, breaking, breaks, unbreakable, icebreaker, icebreaking, unbreaking