E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ice (1 syl.).
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
“[We] An’ if you break the ice, and do this feat … .
