On ice Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈaɪs
AHN-ICE
ˈɒn/ /ˈaɪs
ON-ICE
Definition
Literally, 'on ice' means placed on frozen water to keep something cold. Figuratively, it means something is postponed, delayed, or not being worked on right now.
Usage & Nuances
'On ice' as an idiom is informal and common in business, entertainment, or when talking about delayed plans. Used for projects, discussions, or even people's opportunities ('put my idea on ice'). Literal sense is mostly for food or drinks.
Spanish: en hielo - en pausa (figurado)Portuguese (BR): no gelo - em espera (figurado)Portuguese (PT): em gelo - em espera (figurado)Chinese (Simplified): 在冰上 - 暂缓（比喻）Chinese (Traditional): 在冰上 - 暫緩（比喻）Hindi: बर्फ़ पर - स्थगित (रूपक)Arabic: على الجليد - مؤجل (مجازياً)Bengali: বরফে রাখা - স্থগিত (fig.)Russian: на льду - отложено (перен.)Japanese: 氷の上に - 保留に（比喩的）Vietnamese: để trên đá - hoãn lại (nghĩa bóng)Korean: 얼음 위에 - 보류된 (비유적)Turkish: buz üzerinde - askıya alınmış (mecazi)Urdu: برف پر رکھا ہوا - ملتوی (تمثیلی)Indonesian: di atas es - ditunda (kiasan)
Example Sentences
We kept the drinks on ice at the picnic.
basic
The meeting is on ice until the boss returns.
basic
Our plans for the trip are on ice for now.
basic
They put the project on ice because of budget cuts.
natural
Can you keep my salad on ice until I get back?
natural
My promotion is on ice until next year, apparently.
natural