take the chill off
Remove the cold
To take the chill off is to warm something slightly—not to make it hot, but to remove the uncomfortable coldness: I turned on the heater just to take the chill off.
The phrase applies to rooms, food, drinks, or weather.
Figuratively, it can mean easing initial awkwardness or tension: A round of drinks took the chill off the meeting.
- thermostatAutomatic climate control device
- central heatingBuilding-wide temperature system
- warm upPrepare body for exercise
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
- heaterDevice producing warmth
warm welcome · blanket · heated blanket · fireplace · wood stove · kindness · generosity · tea kettle · cup of tea · friendship · empathy · weatherproofing · camaraderie · hot toddy · compassion · laughter · hot water bottle · patience