Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "to break the ice" in a social situation.

Introduction / Context:
This idiom question tests your understanding of a very common expression used in social and professional settings. "To break the ice" usually refers to taking the first step to reduce tension, shyness, or awkwardness among people who do not know each other well. The correct option must capture this idea of starting friendly interaction and making everyone feel more at ease.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Idiom: "to break the ice". - Context: meetings, parties, interviews, or group discussions where people initially feel shy. - Options: "Make people angry", "Make people laugh loudly", "Make people excited", "Make people relaxed and comfortable". - The idiom does not refer to literal ice; it refers to emotional distance or awkward silence.

Concept / Approach:
In social communication, "breaking the ice" means doing or saying something that starts conversation and reduces initial stiffness. It might involve a joke, a simple introduction, or a light activity. The key outcome is that people become less nervous and more comfortable with each other. While laughter or excitement can be involved, they are not required; the essential result is relaxation and ease, which is best expressed in option D.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall example sentences, such as "The host told a funny story to break the ice" or "An icebreaker game helped break the ice at the workshop." Step 2: Notice that in these examples, the goal is to reduce awkwardness and encourage friendly interaction. Step 3: Examine option D, "Make people relaxed and comfortable". This matches the outcome of breaking the ice: people feel at ease and can talk more freely. Step 4: Consider option B, "Make people laugh loudly". Although laughter may occur when someone breaks the ice, the idiom does not require laughter; a gentle question or smile can also break the ice. Step 5: Evaluate option C, "Make people excited". Excitement is not necessary for breaking the ice; sometimes a calm, friendly introduction is enough. Step 6: Reject option A, "Make people angry", which clearly goes against the positive intention of the idiom. Therefore, option D is the correct and complete explanation.

Verification / Alternative check:
Replace the idiom with each option in a test sentence: "The teacher told a joke to break the ice with the new class." If we say "to make people relaxed and comfortable with the new class", the sentence remains logical, and the teacher's goal is clear. If we try "to make people angry", the entire situation becomes absurd. "To make people excited" or "to make people laugh loudly" only partially reflect the intention and add unnecessary details. The most general and accurate paraphrase is therefore in terms of relaxation and comfort.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Make people angry" is the opposite of what a good host or speaker wants to do at the start of a gathering. "Make people laugh loudly" focuses too narrowly on one possible method and ignores the broader idea of reducing tension. "Make people excited" suggests a strong emotional response that is not always appropriate or needed in formal situations; breaking the ice in a job interview, for example, should not involve excitement but calm friendliness.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse the idiom with specific actions like telling jokes and therefore choose "make people laugh". However, in many cultures and contexts, breaking the ice can be done quietly and politely, without jokes or loud humour. It is better to think of the end result rather than one example. Visualise a room going from silent and stiff to gently conversational and relaxed; this picture will guide you to the right explanation.

Final Answer:
Make people relaxed and comfortable is the correct meaning of the idiom "to break the ice".