scratch the surface

phrase

: to make a modest effort or start

Examples of scratch the surface in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Of course, focusing on racing only scratches the surface of Waltrip’s life. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 24 Sep. 2026

This is just scratching the surface—for more sweater-dress styling tips and outfit ideas using all the fall and winter fashion trends, keep reading below. — India Roby, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2026

And yet, it could be argued that this list of likely candidates barely scratches the surface. — Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 2026

The stage, meanwhile belongs now to Fecht, who feels like the Blackhawks are only scratching the surface. — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for scratch the surface

• hypersurface
• undersurface
• resurface
• subsurface