Cat got your tongue

Meaning: something said when a person is at a loss for words 

History: There are two possible sources for this common short saying.
The first refers to the cat-o’-nine-tails- a whip used by the English navy for
flogging. The whip caused so much pain that the victims were left speechless.
The second refers to the practice of cutting out the tongues of liars and
blasphemers and feeding them to cats.

break the ice

Meaning: To commence a project or initiate a friendship

History: before the days of trains or cars,port cities that thrived on trade
suffered during the winter because frozen rivers prevented commercial ships
from entering the city. Small ships known as “icebreakers” would rescue the
icebound ships by breaking the ice and creating a path for them to follow.
Before any type of business arrangement today, it is now  customary
“break the ice” before beginning a project.