[Idiom] CUT THE ICE. - How to Break the Ice and Warm Up the Conversation

Break the awkwardness.

Cut the ice" is a less common variant of the popular idiom "break the ice," which means to do or say something to relieve tension or get past initial awkwardness in a social situation. Although "cut the ice" is less used, it carries the same meaning of initiating dialogue or actions that ease interpersonal interactions.

Example Sentences

1. His joke about his past failures did well to cut the ice at the conference.

   His joke about his past failures helped to ease the tension at the conference.

2. The team building activity was really effective to cut the ice among the new staff members.

   The team building activity helped the new staff members feel more comfortable.

3. During the tense meeting, her witty remark cut the ice, easing everyone's nerves.

   During the tense meeting, her witty comment helped to ease everyone's nerves.