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
This creates the tip of the iceberg of the film’s most audacious idea — that the musical, which is set to feature Meg’s cousin in the role of the shooter, might actually want to explore what was going on inside him.
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Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Yet, considering what to do if ICE comes to a school is just the tip of the iceberg.
—Carolyn Sattin-Bajaj, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026
These are likely the tip of the iceberg of vehicles here permanently but not paying their share.
—Richard Robbins, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2026
Davidson’s shooting struggles are the tip of the iceberg.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the tip of the iceberg
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Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026
Yet, considering what to do if ICE comes to a school is just the tip of the iceberg.
—Carolyn Sattin-Bajaj, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2026
These are likely the tip of the iceberg of vehicles here permanently but not paying their share.
—Richard Robbins, New York Daily News, 19 Jan. 2026
Davidson’s shooting struggles are the tip of the iceberg.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 16 Jan. 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 Feb. 2026.
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