breaking 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.

Now there is a reward for breaking the ice: The person asking the initial question is sometimes offered a day off from work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

Humour is also a useful way of breaking the ice and defusing tension when people are nervous around her.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2022

The meeting is billed primarily as a social event geared toward breaking the ice between the two leaders in the absence of formal talks.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 14, 2021

But breaking the ice doesn’t need to be heavy.

From New York Times • Jul. 17, 2021

Step by step, breaking the ice with my ax, I waded out.

From "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls