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.
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
AMC’s plan to launch a new interactive live concert series in theaters is on ice, for now.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 10, 2026
But there is an emphasis in the show on ice hockey players wanting to respect women, rather than use them.
From BBC ● May 30, 2026
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
I held my breath as if I were standing on ice that was cracking beneath me.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
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.
