breaks the ice
Eases initial awkwardness
Breaks the ice means to initiate conversation or interaction in a situation where people feel awkward or unfamiliar with one another.
The expression evokes the image of clearing a frozen waterway to allow passage.
Someone who breaks the ice at a party might tell a joke or ask an easy question to get people talking.
After an uncomfortable silence, she broke the ice by complimenting his tie.
An icebreaker is an activity or remark designed to serve this purpose.
- conversation starterInitiates social exchange
- introductionsInitial formal presentations
- first meetingWhen people originally meet
- awkwardnessLack of grace or ease
- small talkPolite trivial conversation
common ground · hesitation · games · storytelling · openness · social cues · relief · confidence · social butterfly · shyness · anecdotes · mingling · discomfort · humor · rapport building · networking · activities · warming up
breaks the iceclams up
Stops talking abruptly
freezes out · keeps to oneself · holds back · shuts down · stonewalls
break, breaks, broken, breaking, breaker, breakers, breakage, unbroken, outbreak