on ice: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "on ice" is commonly used in English to convey the notion of something being postponed or put on hold. This idiom has a colloquial origin and is typically used in informal contexts. It has been in use since at least the mid-20th century and has become a popular expression in everyday language.

The phrase "on ice" is derived from the literal meaning of the words, where "ice" refers to a frozen surface. In this idiom, "on ice" figuratively represents the idea of something being frozen or suspended for a period of time. This idiom is often used to describe activities or plans that are temporarily halted or delayed.

One common usage of the idiom "on ice" is in the entertainment industry, particularly in reference to performances or projects that are postponed or not currently in progress. For example, a play that is put on pause may be described as "on ice" until further notice. Similarly, a film or television show that encounters production issues and is delayed may also be referred to as "on ice." This usage highlights the temporary nature of the delay and implies the potential for resumption in the future.

Another context in which the idiom "on ice" is used is in relation to sports. In sports, when a game or event is postponed or canceled, it is often described as being "on ice." This usage originates from the practice of covering or freezing ice surfaces to prevent them from melting. When a sporting event is postponed or rescheduled, it is symbolically placed "on ice" until a later date when conditions are more suitable.

Beyond the realms of entertainment and sports, the idiom "on ice" can also be used in a broader sense to describe any situation or project that is temporarily suspended or delayed. This can include anything from personal plans, business endeavors, or even legal proceedings. The idiom conveys the idea that the activity or plan is not being actively pursued at the moment, but may be revisited in the future.

The idiom "keep someone on ice" is related to the concept of "on ice." This phrase means to intentionally delay or postpone someone's actions or plans. It can be used to describe a situation where someone is being kept waiting or held back from progressing. For example, if a company is considering a job offer but decides to "keep the candidate on ice," they are choosing to delay their decision or keep the candidate in a state of uncertainty. This phrase adds another layer of meaning to the idiom "on ice" by highlighting the intentional nature of the delay.

The idiom "on hold" is another related phrase to "on ice." This phrase refers to a situation where something is temporarily paused or suspended. It is often used in the context of phone calls or customer service interactions, where a person may be placed "on hold" and have to wait for assistance. However, the phrase "on hold" can also be used more broadly to describe any situation or plan that is temporarily interrupted or delayed. For example, if a project at work is put "on hold," it means that the progress of the project is temporarily halted until further notice. This idiom emphasizes the temporary nature of the delay and the expectation that the activity or plan will eventually resume.

The idiom "on ice" is a widely used expression in English that signifies the postponement or suspension of an activity or plan. Whether it is in the realms of entertainment, sports, or other aspects of life, this idiom effectively conveys the temporary nature of delays and the potential for future action. The related idioms "keep someone on ice" and "on hold" provide additional nuances to the concept, highlighting intentional delays and temporary suspensions. Overall, the idiom "on ice" and its related phrases are valuable tools for describing and understanding situations where plans or activities are put on hold.