THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Break the ice
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in an awkward or uncomfortable situation.
Usage note: keep in mind
Breaking the ice makes a first conversation or unfamiliar group feel more comfortable. Use break, broke and broken according to the tense. The expression can describe a joke, a question or a simple activity that helps people begin talking.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- To break the ice at the party, she told a funny story about her dog.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the two questions without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 2 checked correctly
Review the meaning
To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in an awkward or uncomfortable situation.
2. Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
To ________ at the party, she told a funny story about her dog.
Show the answer
Break the ice — To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in an awkward or uncomfortable situation.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Break the ice” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in an awkward or uncomfortable situation.
Compare: To break the ice at the party, she told a funny story about her dog.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- A question about everyone's favourite book broke the ice at the workshop.
- We introduced our partners to the group to break the ice.
Check your understanding
Which is an icebreaker: asking new classmates about their hobbies, or ending a meeting without speaking?
Check your answer
Asking about hobbies. It gives unfamiliar people an easy way to start interacting; it does not need to be a joke.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where break the ice fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.