On ice 🧊🥶⏳

Meaning

Something is postponed or delayed for an indefinite period of time.

Origin

Imagine a king's feast in the summer heat. To preserve delicacies like meat and fish for later enjoyment, they'd be packed in snow and ice. This idea of preservation, of setting something aside to be enjoyed later, translated into the metaphor of putting plans or projects 'on ice' – kept safe and waiting, ready to be brought out when the time is right. It conjures a vivid image of something perfectly preserved, temporarily suspended from immediate use, much like those ancient banquet dishes chilling in their icy embrace.

⏳🕰️ time

On ice represented with emoji🧊🥶⏳

This playful sequence of an ice cube, a freezing face, and an hourglass not only visually captures the phrase "on ice" but also serves as a charming reminder of delayed gratification and the slow, cool passage of time. It encourages us to ponder the moments in our lives that are paused, preserved in a frosty stillness, waiting for their opportune thaw.

Examples

  • The meeting has been put on ice until next week.
  • Our vacation plans are on ice due to the unexpected flu.
  • The dragon's proposal to hoard all the teacups has been put on ice by the royal council.
  • The annual wizard's duel is on ice while we find a replacement crystal ball.

Frequently asked questions

Is the idiom 'on ice' related to the sport of ice hockey?

No, the idiom 'on ice' is not directly related to the sport of ice hockey. While both involve ice, the phrase's origin comes from ancient preservation techniques, not athletic competition.

What's the opposite of putting something 'on ice'?

The opposite of putting something 'on ice' (postponing it) would be to 'move forward with' or 'proceed with' the plan or project. This signifies bringing something out of delay and into active development or execution.

Can the phrase 'on ice' be used for positive things?

Yes, 'on ice' can be used for positive things when the postponement is strategic or for future benefit. The origin of the phrase relates to preserving delicacies for a later, anticipated feast, suggesting a positive anticipation of the thing being kept 'on ice'.

Is 'on ice' an idiom or a literal description?

The phrase 'on ice' is an idiom, a figurative expression whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of its words. It metaphorically refers to postponement, not literal placement on a frozen surface.

Similar to "on ice"

In limbo
Both phrases describe a state of waiting and uncertainty, but 'in limbo' suggests a more existential or less resolvable suspension, a feeling of being stuck between states with no clear path forward, whereas 'on ice' often implies a temporary freeze that might eventually thaw
Put on the back burner
This phrase shares the idea of postponing something, but it specifically implies a deliberate choice to prioritize other tasks, suggesting a lower, but not necessarily indefinite, level of importance for the deferred item, unlike the more passive and potentially permanent uncertainty of 'on ice'
Awaiting further instructions
While 'on ice' conveys indefinite delay, 'awaiting further instructions' hints at an active, albeit paused, process where a signal or directive is expected to restart momentum; it’s less about being frozen and more about being in a holding pattern

Opposite of "on ice"

Full steam ahead
This phrase argues for immediate and enthusiastic progress, directly countering the idea of postponement and delay inherent in 'on ice', making the contrast striking between a project that's deliberately stalled and one that’s being propelled with maximum effort
Green-lit
This term champions immediate commencement and approval, standing in stark opposition to the suspended state of 'on ice'; it’s the decisive 'go' that 'on ice' so completely misses, highlighting the stark difference between a project poised for action and one that's been decidedly halted

Related to "on ice"

On hold
Sharing the metaphor of suspension, 'on hold' implies a pause that is typically more temporary and actively managed than the potentially indefinite freeze of 'on ice'
Shelved
This phrase shares the idea of discontinuing or postponing a project, but 'shelved' often carries a stronger connotation of being put away permanently or for a very long time, suggesting a definitive end rather than a hopeful thaw
In cold storage
Both 'in cold storage' and 'on ice' evoke a sense of preservation through chilling, but 'in cold storage' often implies preserving something valuable for a future use, whereas 'on ice' can feel more like a project simply forgotten or indefinitely delayed
Kicked down the road
This idiom perfectly captures the deferral of an issue or decision, much like 'on ice,' but with a cynical tone that emphasizes the avoidance of responsibility and the passing of the problem to someone else in the future