broke the ice
Eased initial awkwardness
Broke the ice means initiated conversation or eased tension in an awkward social situation.
The metaphor suggests breaking through a frozen barrier to allow communication to flow: She told a joke that broke the ice at the meeting.
An icebreaker is an activity or remark designed to do this.
The phrase can also mean being the first to do something, making it easier for others to follow.
- bridge the gapConnect separated things
- small talkPolite trivial conversation
- conversation starterInitiates social exchange
- common groundPoints of agreement
- breakInterrupt continuity
relief · introduction · open the door · friendliness · first impression · comfort · put at ease · networking · ice · greeting · pave the way · camaraderie · set the stage · first move · warmth · awkwardness · mingling · warm up
broke the icekept to oneself
Not disclosed to others
clammed up · froze out · held back · stonewalled · kept quiet
broke, breaks, breaking, broken, breaker, breakers, breakage, unbreakable, ices