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]
-
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]
-
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.
A planned role as King Herod in a production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” was put on ice.
From Salon ● Aug. 6, 2026
Apple has plans to release its own competitor wearable, although the rollout is being put on ice given the controversy around Meta’s glasses.
From Slate ● Aug. 5, 2026
Bradley Walsh, who presents Blankety Blank, said earlier this week that the show was currently on ice because he was too busy to film another series.
From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026
Back like Captain America, revived and ready to go after being put on ice for a spell, needed to save the day.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026
The coffee ice cream slid down easily and I started wondering whether I could survive on ice cream alone.
From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
