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.
Since joining the Wild in a blockbuster trade in December, the 26-year-old Hughes has logged more minutes or miles on ice than anyone else in the league.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026
Huang made the remarks late in January after the Wall Street Journal reported that Nvidia's plan to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI had been put on ice.
From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026
The most spectacular backflip at this Winter Olympics is happening on ice, not snow.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026
It was only about two years ago that he was able to execute the flip confidently on ice, Malinin said.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026
My heart is bloody, and my soul is on ice.
From "Tears of a Tiger" by Sharon M. Draper
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.
