Crossword Genius

Time off on the rink can encourage conversation (5,3,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

break the ice

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'encourage conversation' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'time off on the rink' is the wordplay.
'time off' becomes 'break' (eg a break from work).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'rink' becomes 'ice' (ice rink is a kind of rink).
'break'+'the'+'ice'='BREAK THE ICE'

'can' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for break the ice that I've seen before include "Act to make one feel at ease in a gathering" , "Overcome formality" , "Overcome initial social awkwardness" , "Begin to make (people) relax" , "Make the first move in a conversation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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