BREAK THE ICE

v. phr. , informal 1. To conquer the first difficulties in starting a conversation, getting a party going, or making an acquaintance. To break the ice Ted spoke of his interest in mountain climbing, and they soon had a conversation going. Some people use an unusual thing, such as an unusual piece of jewelry, to break the ice. 2. To be the first person or team to score in a game. The Wolves broke the ice with a touchdown.