PhrasesHub

tip of the iceberg

    Definitions

      • Incomplete or superficial understanding
        To describe a situation or problem that is much larger and more complex than it appears on the surface, with only a small portion visible or understood

      • Small visible part of a larger whole
        To refer to a small or insignificant part of something much bigger or more significant

    Examples of tip of the iceberg

    • "The scandal that has rocked the company is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more issues that need to be addressed."

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where only a small part of a larger problem is currently known or visible. The "tip of the iceberg" is the part that is above the waterline, while the rest of the iceberg (the larger part) is hidden beneath the surface. In this example, the scandal is the visible part of a larger problem within the company.

    • "The team's performance in the first half of the game was just the tip of the iceberg. They played even better in the second half and won convincingly."

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a situation where a good or bad performance in a specific situation is just a small part of a larger picture. In this case, the team's performance in the first half was just the beginning of their true potential, and they went on to play even better in the second half.

    • "The politician's decision to resign was just the tip of the iceberg. There are rumors of a much larger scandal that will be revealed soon."

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a situation where a seemingly small event (in this case, the politician's resignation) is actually just the beginning of a larger problem. In this case, there are rumors of a larger scandal that will be revealed, indicating that the politician's resignation was just the tip of the iceberg.

    • "The actor's performance in the movie was just the tip of the iceberg. He has been working on his craft for years and is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood."

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a situation where a person's achievements or talents are not fully recognized or appreciated. In this case, the actor's performance in the movie was just a small part of his larger talent and dedication to his craft.

    • "The company's financial problems are just the tip of the iceberg. They are also facing legal issues and a loss of consumer trust."

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a situation where a company's problems are more complex than they initially appear. In this case, the company's financial problems are just the beginning of a larger set of issues that include legal problems and a loss of consumer trust.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "tip of the iceberg" is commonly used to convey the idea that something is much bigger or more complex than it initially seems. It can be used to caution against jumping to conclusions or making assumptions based on limited information. It can also be used to emphasize the idea that what is visible or understood is just a small representation of a much larger reality.

    In both meanings, the idiom suggests that there is more to the situation than meets the eye and that further exploration or investigation may be necessary in order to fully understand it. It can also be used to express the idea that the true extent of a problem or issue may not be immediately apparent and may require deeper analysis to uncover.

    Origin of "tip of the iceberg"

    The origins of the idiom "tip of the iceberg" can be traced back to the early 19th century, when it was used in the context of polar exploration. The tip of an iceberg is the small, visible portion of a much larger mass of ice that lies beneath the surface of the water. This was often used as a warning to sailors, as the submerged part of the iceberg could be dangerous and cause damage to ships.

    Over time, the idiom began to be used more figuratively to represent the idea of something being much larger and more complex than it appears on the surface. It has since become a common expression in English, used in a variety of contexts to convey the idea of hidden or underlying complexity.