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
Those two are just the tip of the iceberg, though—keep scrolling for more of our favorite under-$50 sandal deals this month.
—
Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
Some categories, such as home furnishings and toys, are starting to reflect higher prices, and those increases are likely the tip of the iceberg.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
What has been published to date on the dashboard is likely only the tip of the iceberg.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 20 June 2025
In a sense, declining fertility rates are only the tip of the iceberg where rising maternal health risks, lack of access to basic reproductive education are what drives the trends underneath.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the tip of the iceberg
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Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
Some categories, such as home furnishings and toys, are starting to reflect higher prices, and those increases are likely the tip of the iceberg.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
What has been published to date on the dashboard is likely only the tip of the iceberg.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 20 June 2025
In a sense, declining fertility rates are only the tip of the iceberg where rising maternal health risks, lack of access to basic reproductive education are what drives the trends underneath.
—Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
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 6 Jul. 2025.
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