Origin of the phrase "break the ice"

The origination of the term break the ice dates back to old trade practices that involve, well, breaking the ice. When cargo ships became icebound for weeks at a time due to bitter, frozen winters, smaller ships were sent out to break the ice in order to make a path that would enable future trade.

In other words, if you (as a boatman) wanted to get down to business - you had to break the ice.

LET ME ASK YOU THIS...

How do you break the ice with someone you've just met?

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Scott Ginsberg
Author/Speaker/That guy with the nametag
www.hellomynameisscott.com