Difference between revisions of "Breaking the ice"
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
| − | The earlier [[meaning]] of this phrase, i.e. 'to forge a [[path]] for others to follow' alludes of course to the breaking of ice to allow the [[navigation]] of boats. The figurative use is quite old and was recorded by [ | + | The earlier [[meaning]] of this phrase, i.e. 'to forge a [[path]] for others to follow' alludes of course to the breaking of ice to allow the [[navigation]] of boats. The figurative use is quite old and was recorded by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Thomas_North Sir Thomas North] in his 1579 translation of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plutarch's_Lives Plutarch's Lives] of the noble Grecians and Romanes: |
:"To be the first to break the Ice of the Enterprize." | :"To be the first to break the Ice of the Enterprize." | ||
==Recent History== | ==Recent History== | ||
| − | It wasn't until the latter part of the [ | + | It wasn't until the latter part of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/17th_century 17th century] that it took on its current 'establish a relaxed [[relationship]] in socially awkward situations' [[meaning]]; for example, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Butler Samuel Butler]'s Hudibras, 1678: |
:"The Oratour - At last broke [[silence]], and the Ice." | :"The Oratour - At last broke [[silence]], and the Ice." | ||
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If we move forward another two hundred years 'breaking the ice' reverts to its original usage, when specialist ice-breaking ships were introduced. These ships, known as ice-breakers, were equipped with strengthened hulls and powerful engines, were employed in the [[exploration]] of polar regions. | If we move forward another two hundred years 'breaking the ice' reverts to its original usage, when specialist ice-breaking ships were introduced. These ships, known as ice-breakers, were equipped with strengthened hulls and powerful engines, were employed in the [[exploration]] of polar regions. | ||
| − | Soon after the ships were introduced the term 'ice-breaker' began to be applied to [[social]] [[initiatives]] which were intended to get [[strangers]] acquainted with one another. In 1883, [ | + | Soon after the ships were introduced the term 'ice-breaker' began to be applied to [[social]] [[initiatives]] which were intended to get [[strangers]] acquainted with one another. In 1883, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Twain Mark Twain] used the word that way in Life on Mississippi: |
| − | :"They closed up the inundation with a few [[words]] - having used it, evidently, as a mere ''ice-breaker'' and acquaintanceship-breeder - then they dropped into business."[ | + | :"They closed up the inundation with a few [[words]] - having used it, evidently, as a mere ''ice-breaker'' and acquaintanceship-breeder - then they dropped into business."[https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/break-the-ice.html] |
[[Category: Languages and Literature]] | [[Category: Languages and Literature]] | ||
Latest revision as of 23:45, 12 December 2020
Origin
The earlier meaning of this phrase, i.e. 'to forge a path for others to follow' alludes of course to the breaking of ice to allow the navigation of boats. The figurative use is quite old and was recorded by Sir Thomas North in his 1579 translation of Plutarch's Lives of the noble Grecians and Romanes:
- "To be the first to break the Ice of the Enterprize."
Recent History
It wasn't until the latter part of the 17th century that it took on its current 'establish a relaxed relationship in socially awkward situations' meaning; for example, Samuel Butler's Hudibras, 1678:
- "The Oratour - At last broke silence, and the Ice."
If we move forward another two hundred years 'breaking the ice' reverts to its original usage, when specialist ice-breaking ships were introduced. These ships, known as ice-breakers, were equipped with strengthened hulls and powerful engines, were employed in the exploration of polar regions.
Soon after the ships were introduced the term 'ice-breaker' began to be applied to social initiatives which were intended to get strangers acquainted with one another. In 1883, Mark Twain used the word that way in Life on Mississippi:
