the tip of the iceberg
noun phrase
: a small part of something (such as a problem) that is seen or known about when there is a much larger part that is not seen or known about
The news is shocking, but we may find out that the stories we've heard so far are just the tip of the iceberg.
Examples of the tip of the iceberg in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Recent hits like Starfield and Forza Motorsport are just the tip of the iceberg.
—
Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 16 Jan. 2025
But truthfully, the considerations covered in this article are just the tip of the iceberg.
—Kristin McKenna, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
But that's just the tip of the iceberg: Construction on the new Obama Presidential Center in Woodlawn should finish this year; new construction should begin on the CTA's Red Line extension to 130th Street; and the new quantum hub on the Southeast Side will break ground soon.
—Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025
But those retail displays, mostly meant for decorating front porches and patios, are just the tip of the iceberg.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the tip of the iceberg 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 16 Jan. 2025
But truthfully, the considerations covered in this article are just the tip of the iceberg.
—Kristin McKenna, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
But that's just the tip of the iceberg: Construction on the new Obama Presidential Center in Woodlawn should finish this year; new construction should begin on the CTA's Red Line extension to 130th Street; and the new quantum hub on the Southeast Side will break ground soon.
—Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025
But those retail displays, mostly meant for decorating front porches and patios, are just the tip of the iceberg.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for the tip of the iceberg
Dictionary Entries Near the tip of the iceberg
Cite this Entry
“The tip of the iceberg.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20tip%20of%20the%20iceberg. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share