Word: Ice Over
Definition:
"Ice over" is a verb that means to become covered with a layer of ice. This usually happens to surfaces when temperatures are very cold.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "ice over" when describing something that has formed ice on its surface, like water, roads, or windows. It often describes a change that happens due to cold weather.
Example Sentence:
- "The lake started to ice over as winter approached, making it safe for ice skating."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced contexts, "ice over" can be used metaphorically to describe situations where emotions or relationships become cold or distant.
Example Sentence (Advanced):
- "After their disagreement, their friendship seemed to ice over, and they stopped talking completely."
Word Variants:
- "Iced over" (past tense) - "The pond had iced over by the time we arrived." - "Icing over" (present participle) - "The roads are icing over, so we should drive carefully."
Different Meanings:
While "ice over" primarily refers to covering with ice, it can also imply a lack of warmth in relationships or feelings, as mentioned earlier.
Synonyms:
- Freeze over - Frost over - Cover with ice
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically include "ice over," but you can find related phrases: - "Break the ice" - This means to start a conversation in a social setting to relieve tension. - "Ice in one's veins" - This phrase describes someone who remains calm under pressure.
Summary:
"Ice over" is a useful term that describes the process of something becoming covered in ice, typically due to cold weather. It can also be used in a more figurative sense to describe emotional coldness.