idioms using “ice”

Put on ice

To postpone or stop something

“The expansion project was put on ice so we won’t be hiring any new workers.”

Won’t cut ice

(something) won’t have influence or won’t affect an outcome

“The fact the Satoshi-san is the company founder’s son won’t cut ice with the Ethics committee; if he acted unethically, he will be fired.”

Break the ice

To get people meeting for the first time to become more relaxed with each other

“The meeting planners have scheduled some activities to break the ice on the first morning of the three-day seminar.”

Skate on thin ice

To take a big risk

“We’re skating on thin ice if we pre-announce our forecasted annual sales; we just don’t know if the economy will recover or not this year.”

As cold as ice

With no warmth or friendliness

“The new company spokesperson is as cold as ice; I hope she is friendlier to the media than she is to her coworkers.”