break the ice

B b

Definitions of break the ice words

noun break the ice to relieve shyness or reserve, esp between strangers 3
noun break the ice to be the first of a group to do something 3
noun break the ice to relieve shyness, etc, esp between strangers 3
noun break the ice to make a start by getting over initial difficulties 3
noun break the ice to make a start toward getting better acquainted 3
noun break the ice the solid form of water, produced by freezing; frozen water. 1

before 900

One of the 4% oldest English words

before 900; 1905-10 for def 8a; Middle English, Old English īs; cognate with German Eis, Old Norse īss

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 99% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

socialize — to make social; make fit for life in companionship with others.
start — to begin or set out, as on a journey or activity.
break ground — to do something that has not been done before
lead off — most important; principal; leading; first: lead editorial; lead elephant; lead designer.
lead the way — manner, mode, or fashion: a new way of looking at a matter; to reply in a polite way.