break the ice
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.
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
Behind closed doors, Trump treats Xi with a deference he rarely extends to other leaders, according to people familiar with their meetings, replacing jokes intended to break the ice with compliments.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
“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
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
Joe would break the ice in all the puddles while his old man, smoking a cigarette, patiently waited.
From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols
