thaw out
To make something frozen go back to normal temperature — like taking meat out of the freezer to defrost — or to become less cold and unfriendly.
Meanings
To allow frozen food or another frozen substance to return to a normal temperature.
"Remember to take the chicken out of the freezer to thaw out before cooking."
To warm up after being very cold.
"Come in and sit by the fire — you need to thaw out after that walk."
To become more relaxed, friendly, or open after being cold or reserved.
"He was very stiff at first, but he began to thaw out after a couple of drinks."
Used both literally (food, pipes, weather) and figuratively (a person becoming friendlier or more relaxed). Very common in everyday speech. The figurative sense is natural but less frequent than the literal one.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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