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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.

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

Ms Hewitt, from Cambridgeshire, said she always asked for a smaller speculum to be used and for a double appointment to "break the ice" with the nurse.

From BBC • Jan. 19, 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

Older kids might prefer to break the ice by reaching out with a text or via a social media app, Sweeney said.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 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