Break the ice

//ˈbɹeɪk ði ˈaɪs// verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To start to get to know people to avoid social awkwardness and formality. idiomatic

    "Including a few fun details in large group introductions can be a great way to break the ice."

  2. 2
    To introduce a conversation. idiomatic

    "If it be so ſir, that you are the man Muſt ſteed us all, and me amongſt the reſt: And if you breake the ice and do this ſeeke, Atchieve the elder: ſet the yonger free, For our acceſſe, whose hap ſhall be to have her, will not so graceleſſe be, to be ingrate."

  3. 3
    To surmount initial difficulties; to overcome obstacles and make a beginning. idiomatic
  4. 4
    Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see break, the, ice.

Etymology

By application of the metaphor that strangers are socially separated by ice.

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