keep it on ice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it on ice" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to suggest postponing or delaying something for a later time. Example: "Let's keep it on ice until we have more information about the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

For tartare, finely dice the halibut and keep it on ice.

The New York Times - Food

Shake it all up, with gusto, and keep it on ice in a cooler until you're ready to serve.

The New York Times

You have to keep it on ice and be careful not to harm it in any way.

The New Yorker

Chill rosé thoroughly and keep it on ice so that it doesn't turn flabby halfway through the meal.

The New York Times - Food

That'll run you $2000 + $200 to the doctor to remove the blood + $50 for the driver to come pick it up at the hospital+ $150 a year for 18 years to keep it on ice.

Vice

That'll run you $2000 +$200 to the doctor to remove the blood +$50 for the driver to come pick it up at the hospital +$150 a year for 18 years to keep it on ice.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Besides winning Mallory's heart, Everest captured his body and kept it on ice until 1999, when a search team stumbled onto it.

The New York Times - Books

Crosby conceded that the physical and mental toll of the Olympics meant he would need to rely on adrenaline and a plan to "keep it simple" on the ice until he and the Penguins catch their breath.

The New York Times - Sports

Here's where to use 'Keep It Mello' on an ice cream parlour in Fortnite: Battle Royale.

Forbes

Give it a quick rinse under cool tap water, then place it on ice to keep it cold while you butterfly the rest of the shrimp.

WikiHow

They begin to deteriorate rapidly, so it's important to keep them on ice, because there's nothing worse than a crab that's gone off.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "keep it on ice" to mean preserving something, consider whether a more specific term like "preserve", "store", or "maintain" might provide greater clarity in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it on ice" in contexts where literal cooling is not relevant. The idiom typically implies preservation, delay, or simplification, not simply cold storage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it on ice" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression. It often serves to advise delaying action, decisions, or changes. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and usable, although it can also refer to literal preservation via cooling.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep it on ice" is a valid English idiom with both literal and figurative meanings. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is generally accepted. While it can refer to physically keeping something cold, it more often suggests delaying or postponing action. It's usage is most prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, be mindful of the intended meaning and choose more precise terms when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put it on hold

Emphasizes a temporary suspension or pause.

postpone it

Formally indicates a decision to reschedule to a later time.

shelve it for now

Suggests a temporary postponement, often implying a return to the matter later.

table it

Primarily used in formal settings to suggest postponing a discussion or vote.

preserve it

Focuses on maintaining the current state, often to prevent decay or change.

defer consideration

Indicates that a decision or deliberation is being put off until a later time.

delay the process

Directly addresses the act of postponing an action or series of actions.

hold it back

Implies restraint or prevention of something from progressing.

keep it chilled

Suggests maintaining a calm or relaxed state, sometimes literally referring to temperature.

maintain its condition

Highlights the act of keeping something in good order or preventing damage.

FAQs

How can I use "keep it on ice" in a sentence?

You can use "keep it on ice" to suggest delaying a decision, as in: "Let's "put it on hold" and keep it on ice until we gather more data". It can also mean preserving something, like food.

What does "keep it on ice" mean?

The phrase "keep it on ice" has two main meanings. Literally, it means to store something on ice to keep it cold. Figuratively, it means to postpone or delay something, or to "put on hold".

What can I say instead of "keep it on ice"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""put it on hold"", "shelve it", or "preserve it".

Is it correct to say "keep it on ice"?

Yes, "keep it on ice" is a correct and understandable phrase in English. Ludwig AI confirms this. However, ensure the context aligns with its idiomatic or literal meaning.