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
But these characters form only the tip of the iceberg.
—
Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
And those names are just the tip of the iceberg.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
The hepatitis B trial is only the tip of the iceberg.
—Uzma Rentia, STAT, 27 Apr. 2026
There are a whole host of desserts to be made using a cast iron skillet, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the tip of the iceberg
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Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026
And those names are just the tip of the iceberg.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
The hepatitis B trial is only the tip of the iceberg.
—Uzma Rentia, STAT, 27 Apr. 2026
There are a whole host of desserts to be made using a cast iron skillet, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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 1 May. 2026.
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