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break the ice



Example Sentences

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Over two decades later, in February 1972, then US president Richard Nixon flew to China to break the ice.

From Barron's ● May 15, 2026

Last year, out of what he said was concern for young people and the nation’s birthrates, Ackman urged more men to approach women and break the ice by asking, “May I meet you?”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 10, 2026

We began with some very brief small talk, which always helps to break the ice before a formal sit down, but we didn't touch the topic at hand until the cameras started rolling.

From BBC ● May 3, 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

Though Ben had pleaded for the station wagon, Bull had insisted that the Plymouth was a conversation piece and would help break the ice on Ben’s first date.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy


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