break the ice

[breɪk ðə aɪs]

verb phrase

quebrar o gelo

1. To initiate conversation or interaction in a social situation by doing or saying something to reduce tension or awkwardness

She told a joke to break the ice at the party.

Ela contou uma piada para quebrar o gelo na festa.

2. To make the first move in establishing a relationship or connection

He decided to break the ice and introduce himself to the new colleague.

Ele decidiu quebrar o gelo e se apresentar ao novo colega.

NYC Slang

get the conversation started, lighten it up, or loosen things up

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

quebrar o gelo

Most common and widely understood across Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

quebrar o gelo

Standard usage, sometimes informally 'descontrair'

São Paulo

quebrar o gelo

Standard usage in business and social contexts

Portugal

quebrar o gelo

Same translation used, may also hear 'descontrair a situação'

get the ball rolling

warm up the room

ease the tension

get one's foot in the door

make the first move

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