Breaking The Ice

( making people feel more comfortable ... )

Breaking the ice is getting rid of the uncomfortable feeling that people have when they first meet. Example: "This was an awful party until John showed up and broke the ice."

When people first meet and they do not know each other, the feeling is like ice. You "break the ice" when you do something that makes people feel less nervous and more comfortable. Example: "I'm just trying to break the ice."

People start relaxing and having more fun when someone or something "breaks the ice". Example: "That was a stupid joke that he told, but everyone laughed and it did break the ice."

When people are nervous as they meet, and you make them feel comfortable, you "break the ice." Example: "Jane throws great parties, and she is really good at breaking the ice."