Intermediate 💬 Idioms & Phrasal Verbs · #125 of 182

Idiom: Break the Ice

to start a conversation

Examples

  • A joke broke the ice.

Key rules

  • Break the ice means start a conversation and help people feel comfortable
  • It is used at events, meetings and first dates
  • The noun "ice" is singular
  • It can be done with a joke or a question

Common mistakes

  • Break the ices → Break the ice
💡 Tip: Use a light question or joke to break the ice at the start of a meeting.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Intermediate quiz
← Phrasal Verb: Weigh UpIdiom: Hit the Sack →

Related Intermediate topics

See all Intermediate idioms & phrasal verbs lessons →

Phrasal Verb: Put Off

to postpone

Phrasal Verb: Carry On

to continue

Phrasal Verb: Run Out Of

to use up completely

Phrasal Verb: Come Across

to find by chance

Phrasal Verb: Get Along With

to have a good relationship

Phrasal Verb: Look Forward To

to anticipate with pleasure