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
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
Growing up on the East Coast and being a little person, I used comedy as a way to break the ice, and also be like, “Hey, let’s be funny and lighten the situation.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 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
It was having Marlene with us that helped break the ice, helped dispel suspicion.
From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo
