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Showing results for break the ice. Search instead for break the ice/2.
Definitions

break the ice

VERB
prepare the way
Synonyms
WEAK
be friendly and talkative break ground cut the first turf get one's feet wet lay the first stone lead off lead the way make a start oil the works open the way pave the way set at ease smooth the path socialize start start the ball rolling take the plunge

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There was no small talk required to break the ice between these two leaders who have become unlikely friends.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

“One thing that really helps people break the ice is a lot of times people are really generous with their supplies,” Hansen said.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2025

Using shared interests to break the ice on social networking sites can help users overlook other differences at first.

From Science Daily • Nov. 25, 2024

Tyson Ropp used an ax to break the ice covering a stock tank on Friday at the Double Cross Cattle Company ranch south of Roberts, Mont.

From New York Times • Jan. 14, 2024

They didn’t start the snowmobile up for fear that just yanking on the starter cord would break the ice underneath their feet.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.