растопить лед

• РАСТОПИТЬ ЛЕД{{}}

[VP; subj: human; fixed WO]

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⇒ to ease tension, awkwardness, or formality (between people):

- X растопил лед{{}}≈ X melted (thawed) the ice.

[authors usage] Он почти представил, как он, Лева, найдет все-таки, очень постепенно, очень тонко, подход к деду, ключ, растопит лед обид и горя и, хотя на закате дней, деду улыбнётся любовь и очаг... (Битов 2). Не [Lyova] could almost picture it: despite all, very gradually, very subtly, he would find an approach to Grandfather, a key, he would thaw the ice of resentment and woe, and, though in the sunset of his days, love and home would smile on Grandfather... (2a).