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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Learn how ice and snow describe social exclusion, caution, delay, and too much work.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode connects winter imagery to expressions with different meanings: “skate on thin ice” warns that someone is taking a risk, “put something on ice” means pause it temporarily, “break the ice” means ease a first social interaction, and “left out in the cold” describes being excluded or forgotten. It also touches on being snowed under with work.
Cultural note: These are figurative expressions; the surrounding sentence tells you whether ice is about social comfort, risk, or delay. “Snowed under” usually means overwhelmed with tasks, not literally trapped by snow.
Keep exploringThe same winter image can signal risk, delay, or exclusion. Use context to decide what the speaker means—and choose a phrase that fits the situation.
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Talk about whether someone is included or welcomed.
Meaning
Exclude, ignore, or fail to include someone.
Tone & use
Often describes social or workplace exclusion. It may refer to an intentional decision or to someone being overlooked.
Example
“The organizers shared the schedule with every volunteer so nobody would be left out in the cold.”
Meaning
Make a first social interaction more comfortable.
Tone & use
Common when people do not know each other well. It often refers to starting a conversation or easing tension.
Example
“The host asked everyone to share a favorite local place to break the ice.”
Recognize a warning that a person’s situation may worsen.
Meaning
Be in a risky situation where another mistake could cause trouble.
Tone & use
Often used as a warning, especially when someone is close to facing consequences.
Example
“After ignoring two safety reminders, the contractor was skating on thin ice with the site manager.”
Meaning
A small visible part of a much larger situation.
Tone & use
Often used when a problem or set of facts is bigger than what people can currently see.
Example
“The two delayed orders were only the tip of the iceberg; the warehouse had a much larger scheduling problem.”
Describe postponing a task or having too much to do.
Meaning
Pause or postpone an activity for a while.
Tone & use
Usually temporary; the plan may resume later. “Put on hold” is a neutral alternative.
Example
“We put the renovation on ice until the building inspection was complete.”
Meaning
Have so much work or so many tasks that it is difficult to manage them all.
Tone & use
Informal and common at work or school; it describes overload rather than a small busy moment.
Example
“I’m snowed under with grading this week, but I can meet next Monday.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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