break the ice

Meaning

To say or do something that makes people feel relaxed when they meet for the first time.

Examples

1. The teacher played a short game on the first day to break the ice. US UK
2. I made a joke about the rain to break the ice. US UK
3. Nobody was talking at the dinner, so Marta asked everyone about their favourite film. US UK

How to use it

Use it for the first minutes of a party, a class, or a meeting. It is about creating a friendly mood, so it is always positive. It works in speaking and in writing.

Common mistake

Not: After their argument, they broke the ice and became friends again.
Say: After their argument, they made up. (Break the ice is only for the start of a relationship, not for ending a fight.)