English / idiom
break the ice
C1MEANING IN ENGLISH
To initiate social conversation or relieve awkward tension when meeting people; To initiate conversation in a social setting to relieve tension and help people relax.
In context
01
At the alumni reunion, sharing humorous school memories helped quickly break the ice among old friends.
02
A loyal companion always knows how to gently break the ice whenever an awkward silence falls over the room.
Synonyms
clear the air,ease tensions,get the conversation rolling
Antonyms
freeze up,create awkwardness,maintain distance
Collocations
break the ice with a joke,fun game to break the ice,help break the ice