Meaning
Example
To break the ice, my teacher played a really fun game.
To break the ice for our new coworkers, we love going for a drink at happy hour.
Maybe a kind word would break the ice.
Break the Ice
I think we both know the need for effective social skills in modern society. Here are a few ways to "break the ice":
- Offer compliments. We all love kind words and a compliment is great way to offer praise and have a positive dialogue with the one you're speaking with.
- Introduce yourself. Offer a friendly hello and start up a conversation by exchanging names. Introducing yourself is a good way to initiate small talk. Getting to know someone always begins with opening yourself up and letting others know who you are.
- Ask for input. Ask for advice or let the other know that you're open to their opinion. It will make them feel important and help begin a discussion.
- Jokes. Laughing is healthy and laughing together builds a great rapport. Make it light and polite and share a good laugh!
Quiz
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they're also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can't learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
