Question

What does the idiom “break the ice” mean?

Options

• (A) To destroy something that is frozen
• (B) To start a conversation and ease the tension among people
• (C) To end a friendship suddenly
• (D) To cool a drink quickly

Answer

(B) To start a conversation and ease the tension among people

Solution

1. The literal meaning, smashing ice, is the distractor in option A.
2. The idiom is used when someone does or says something to make people feel relaxed in a new or awkward situation.
3. So it means to start a conversation and ease the tension, which is option B.