PhrasesHub

The tip of the iceberg

    Definitions

      • a small visible part of a larger problem or issue
        Used to describe a situation where the visible or known part of a problem or issue is just a small portion of the overall problem or issue, with the majority remaining unseen or unknown.

      • a small percentage of something much larger
        Refers to a small portion or representation of something, with the majority being much larger or more significant. Often used to describe something that is difficult to fully comprehend or grasp due to its vastness or complexity.

      • a warning of potential danger or trouble
        Serves as a warning or indication that there may be a larger issue or danger lurking beneath the surface. Can be used to advise caution and further investigation into a seemingly minor issue or situation.

      • a symbol of a deeper, underlying issue
        Can be used to symbolize a deeper, underlying issue that is causing or contributing to a problem. Often used to emphasize that a seemingly small problem is just a manifestation of a larger, more complex issue.

    Examples of The tip of the iceberg

    • The senator's resignation was just the tip of the iceberg.

      This idiom is used to suggest that there is more to a situation than what is immediately apparent. In this example, it implies that the senator's resignation is not the only issue at hand and that there are other underlying problems that have not yet been addressed.

    • After the company's financial scandal, it became clear that the tip of the iceberg had been exposed.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a situation where a major issue has been revealed, but there are still unseen problems that may come to light in the future.

    • The president's speech touched on only the tip of the iceberg when it came to addressing the country's economic woes.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to indicate that a response or solution has been inadequate and that more action is needed to address the full extent of the problem.

    • The athlete's poor performance at the championship was just the tip of the iceberg.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to suggest that a negative outcome is a symptom of a larger issue that needs to be addressed.

    • The detective's investigation uncovered the tip of the iceberg, but there was still much more to be discovered.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to indicate that a solution or outcome has been limited and that further investigation is necessary to fully understand the situation.


    Conclusion

    "The tip of the iceberg" is a commonly used idiom that can have several different meanings depending on the context. However, they all revolve around the idea of a small part of something much larger. It can be used to describe a visible part of a problem or issue that is just the beginning or a small representation of the whole. It can also refer to a small percentage of something much larger, emphasizing the vastness or complexity of the overall issue. Additionally, it can serve as a warning of potential danger or trouble, reminding us that there may be more to a situation than meets the eye. Overall, this idiom highlights the idea that there is often more going on beneath the surface than what is initially apparent.

    Origin of "The tip of the iceberg"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early 19th century, where it was first used in a literal sense to describe a small portion of an iceberg that is visible above the water's surface, with the majority of the iceberg hidden below. However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that the idiom began to be used in its figurative sense, as we know it today.

    One of the earliest recorded uses of the idiom in its figurative sense was in a 1918 newspaper article, where it was used to describe the vastness of the German army during World War I. The phrase became more popular in the 1950s when it was regularly used in news articles and speeches to describe political and social issues. Since then, it has become a common phrase in everyday language, used to represent various situations where there is more to the situation than what is initially visible.

    The imagery of an iceberg, with the majority hidden beneath the surface, perfectly encapsulates the idea of a small part of something much larger. This is why the idiom has stood the test of time and continues to be used in various contexts today.