breaking the ice

ditch: a long, narrow, open channel dug in the ground, usually at the side of a road or field, used esp. for supplying or removing water

skid: to slide unintentionally on a surface, (esp. of a vehicle)

destitute: without money, possessions, or any of the things needed to live

slack: showing a lack of activity; not busy or happening in a positive way

skewed: to cause something to be not straight or exact; to twist or distort