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]

Example Sentences

“That pushed me and Harley apart. But in the last eight years where we put Rizzle Kicks on ice, Harley has fathered two beautiful children, I’ve gone sober and we’re closer than ever.”

From BBC

Away from Love Island, the 33-year-old from Ireland is a model and has appeared on Dancing On Ice and Cooking with the Stars.

From BBC

Mabuse left Strictly in 2022 and became a judge on the celebrity figure skating competition Dancing On Ice in the same year.

From BBC

It’s a question that the government has, for now at least, put on ice - while King Charles earlier this week reiterated longstanding palace policy that the matter should be left for the “public to decide”.

From BBC

Australia's Prime Minister is a long-term republican but his government put any plans to hold a vote on breaking away from the British monarchy on ice earlier this year, saying it was no longer a priority issue.

From BBC

Related Words

• decisive
• dogged
• purposeful
• resolute
• resolved
• serious
• single-minded
• steadfast
• strong-willed
• stubborn
• tenacious