on ice
Idioms-
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]
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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]
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With a good chance of success, as in I'm sure she'll win—it's on ice . [ Slang ; early 1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Get drinks on ice, arrange the soups for serving, light the candles and start the music.
From Salon ● Oct. 20, 2026
For his son Nic Pillinger, the discovery meant an achievement that had been "on ice for many years" could finally take its rightful place in history.
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026
Higher mortgage rates have kept the housing market largely on ice.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 30, 2026
I’ll start: For early morning flights, order espresso on ice and add in a protein shake.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
It felt like I was standing on ice skates, and I nearly fell down, but Chas was right there behind me, holding me steady.
From "Winger" by Andrew Smith
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
