What does the idiom ‘break the ice’ mean?

Explanation

‘Break the ice’ is an idiom meaning to initiate conversation or ease tension in a socially awkward or unfamiliar situation, such as at the start of a meeting between strangers, as in ‘He told a joke to break the ice.’ The phrase evokes the image of breaking through a literal barrier of ice to allow smoother movement, similarly to how it eases the initial social discomfort between people. Explore more English MCQs on mcqstutor to keep practicing.