| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Ice (1 syl.). | | |
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To break the ice. To broach a disagreeable subject; to open the way. In allusion to breaking ice for bathers. (Latin, scin’dere glaciem;
Italian, romper il giaocio.) (Anglo-Saxon, is.) | 1 |
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| “[We] An’ if you break the ice, and do this feat … . |
| Will not so graceless be, to be ingrate.” | |
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Shakespeare: Taming of the Shreu, i. 2. |
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