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
These numbers are said to be the tip of the iceberg, with stigma, fear, and insecurity meaning many cases go unreported.
—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Being sneaky on incorrect proofs is just the tip of the iceberg.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
In terms of hydrating skin-care ingredients, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide are just the tip of the iceberg.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Apr. 2025
This Week in Sports Trivia: March 27, 2025 March Madness is in full swing, but that's just the tip of the iceberg in the sports world this week.
—Bob Harkins, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the tip of the iceberg
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Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Being sneaky on incorrect proofs is just the tip of the iceberg.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
In terms of hydrating skin-care ingredients, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide are just the tip of the iceberg.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Apr. 2025
This Week in Sports Trivia: March 27, 2025 March Madness is in full swing, but that's just the tip of the iceberg in the sports world this week.
—Bob Harkins, New York Times, 27 Mar. 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 2 May. 2025.
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