Common Idioms for IELTS Speaking Topic - Break the Ice
Idioms play a very important role in all four sections of IELTS. Idioms used in IELTS speaking are commonly used in regular day-to-day life. In order to answer IELTS speaking and reading sections, the candidates must learn different types of idioms. This particular idiom will help you understand its accurate meaning and how you can efficiently use it in IELTS speaking.
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Topic: Common Idioms for IELTS Speaking Topic - Break the Ice
- Break the Ice
Origin: The first recorded use of this idiom was back in the 17th century (1678) when Samuel Butler used it in his poem Hudibras. "The Oratour - At last broke silence and the Ice."
Meaning: Break the ice refers to breaking down the social awkwardness which people often experience at the first meeting. A person can break the ice by saying something funny or starting the conversation first.
Example:
- To break the ice Mysha introduced everyone in a funny way and everyone started laughing together.
- On my first day at the company, my colleagues took the initiative to break the ice and offered me to do lunch with them. It was really kind gesture from their end.
Below are given different scenarios that will help you better understand the use of this idiom in daily conversations.
Idiom for IELTS Speaking: 1st Scenario
(Used in IELTS Speaking Conversation)
Joshua - Hey Pal! What activity are you planning to help break the ice at the event?
Mason - Hey man! I was thinking of some games that will require people to be in a group. It will help them mingle and know each other better.
Joshua - Well, nit bad. It is a really great idea. I might also join this activity to mix up with the new trainees.
Mason - Yeah sure, that would be great.
Explanation: As we read in the above conversation Joshua asks mason about the activity to break the ice means activities to remove the social stiffness among the people at the event. For which Mason decided on some activities that require people to work in groups.
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Idiom for IELTS Speaking: 2nd Scenario
(Used in IELTS Speaking Conversation)
Korina - Hey Sally! What happened why are you so quiet?
Sally - Hey! Nothing, it’s just that I’ve come to a party like this for the first time.
Korina - Is that it? Well, don’t worry have some drinks as it will help you break the ice and enjoy yourself.
Sally - Are you sure?
Korina - Yes, telling this by experience.
Sally - Umm, okay if you say so.
Korina - Here you go. *Cheers*
Sally - Cheers.
Explanation: In the above conversation Korina advised Sally to have some drinks to loosen up. She mentioned that it will help her to break the ice meaning she will be able to overcome the social anxiety after a few drinks.
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