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
Behind closed doors, Trump treats Xi with a deference he rarely extends to other leaders, according to people familiar with their meetings, replacing jokes intended to break the ice with compliments.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
There was no small talk required to break the ice between these two leaders who have become unlikely friends.
From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025
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
It was having Marlene with us that helped break the ice, helped dispel suspicion.
From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo
