on ice

on ice

1. Kept in refrigeration or packed in ice. We've got beers and sodas on ice in the cooler out back, so please go ahead and help yourselves! They'll have to keep the celebratory champagne on ice until the recount of votes has been completed.

2. On hiatus; postponed, delayed, or suspended. I know that journalist has been persistent in getting a comment from us for his story, but we'll just have to keep him on ice until the trial is over. Our project has been put on ice for the time being until the company can secure more funding.

3. Detained or confined in isolation. The group kept their prisoner on ice for nearly a week before beginning their interrogation. My uncle has been on ice in the state penitentiary since he was in his 20s.

4. sports In a state in which one side's victory seems quite certain, as due to a substantial lead. That touchdown really puts the game on ice for the Eagles. I don't see the Owls coming back from such a big deficit with only two minutes left in the game.

See also: ice, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

on ice

 

1. Lit. stored or preserved on ice or under refrigeration. I have a lot of root beer on ice for the picnic. All the soft drinks are on ice.

2. Fig. [action on someone or something] suspended or left hanging. I was on ice for over a month while the matter was being debated. This matter should be on ice for a while.

See also: ice, on

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

on ice

1. 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]

2. 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]

3. With a good chance of success, as in I'm sure she'll win-it's on ice. [Slang; early 1900s]

See also: ice, on

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

on ice

1 (especially of a plan or proposal) held in reserve for future consideration. 2 (of wine or food) kept chilled by being surrounded by ice. 3 (of an entertainment) performed by skaters.

1 1995 Times Education Supplement In Kent plans for 10 more nursery classes next year are on ice.

See also: ice, on

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

on ice

mod. in reserve. That’s a great idea, but we’ll have to put it on ice until we can afford to put it into action.

See also: ice, on

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

on ice

Slang

1. Assured of attainment or success: With the extra goal the victory was on ice.

2. In reserve or readiness.

3. Away from public notice or activity.

See also: ice, on

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.