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
Although tonight Charles was nonchalant about being brought into the drama, according to the mid-season trailer, this is just the tip of the iceberg!
—
Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 5 May 2025
These reactions are just the tip of the iceberg, as the football world continues to be bewildered at Sanders being available heading into the fourth round on Saturday.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
And considering that his new 37-song album arrives in a few weeks, this current moment might just be the tip of the iceberg.
—Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025
And with this appointment just being the tip of the iceberg, who knows what Prince William will do to piss off his brother next.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the tip of the iceberg
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 5 May 2025
These reactions are just the tip of the iceberg, as the football world continues to be bewildered at Sanders being available heading into the fourth round on Saturday.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
And considering that his new 37-song album arrives in a few weeks, this current moment might just be the tip of the iceberg.
—Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025
And with this appointment just being the tip of the iceberg, who knows what Prince William will do to piss off his brother next.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 22 Apr. 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 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share