Break or cut?

[naufragis]

hello alan,

may I ask for an explanation this:

Test No. incompl/inter-22 "Cross Questions", question 7

Jane: Sorry you can protest if you like but it doesn't ..........

(a) break any ice with me
(b) cut any ice with me
(c) freeze any ice with me
(d) make any ice with me

Test No. incompl/inter-22 "Cross Questions", answer 7

Jane: Sorry you can protest if you like but it doesn't cut any ice with me.

Correct answer: (b) cut any ice with me

I marked break because there?s quite the same saying in german. "breaking the ice". it seemes logical to me to break ice not to cut it.
is it a special expression to " CUT THE ICE"?
please, explain!

many thanks
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[Torsten]

Dear Naufragis,
with Alan taking a short summer break it's my turn to answer your interesting question:
That doesn't cut any ice with me means that doesn't impress me at all. As for the origin of that phrase - we'll see what Alan says when he returns to England - but I guess it refers to the old-time custom of cutting ice blocks and storing them in icehouses. You obviously need a sharp knife to cut ice - a blunt blade won't get the job done.
So, when someone tries to accomplish something by using ineffective methods you might say: 'That doesn't cut any ice with me.'
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[naufragis]

hello torsten,

thank you. now it?s logical to me that someone who hasn?t "a sharp knife" cant persuade me to believe in untenable facts.
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