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
Small mistakes that lead to big repairs Auto repairs may seem simple at first, but sometimes visible issues are just the tip of the iceberg.
—
Charlotte Maracina, USA Today, 20 May 2026
But cones and sundaes are just the tip of the iceberg at this longstanding restaurant.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 May 2026
However, the conflict between Corinium and Venturer is only the tip of the iceberg here.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 May 2026
Antivirus is just the tip of the iceberg, though.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for the tip of the iceberg
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Charlotte Maracina, USA Today, 20 May 2026
But cones and sundaes are just the tip of the iceberg at this longstanding restaurant.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 17 May 2026
However, the conflict between Corinium and Venturer is only the tip of the iceberg here.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 May 2026
Antivirus is just the tip of the iceberg, though.
—K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 14 May 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 5 Jun. 2026.
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