on ice

1. In reserve or readiness. This idiom often occurs with put , meaning “to place in reserve,” as in Let's put that proposal on ice until we have the funds to implement it . This usage alludes to putting things in cold storage for preservation. [ Slang ; late 1800s]

2. In prison, as in He's been on ice for ten years . This usage may be derived in part from the slang term cooler for “jail.” [ Slang ; c. 1930]

3. With a good chance of success, as in I'm sure she'll win—it's on ice . [ Slang ; early 1900s]

Related Words

• decisive
• dogged
• purposeful
• resolute
• resolved
• serious
• single-minded
• steadfast
• strong-willed
• stubborn
• tenacious