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.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Murder charges 'the tip of the iceberg' The counts the suspects face are for the four fatalities, Segrest said. —Marty Roney, USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2023

The meme-worthy spectacle of private planes stretching ad nauseum down the runway is just the tip of the iceberg, and but one of several tells signifying what kind of event this really is. —Leena Kim, Town & Country, 14 Apr. 2023

Chicken parm is just the tip of the iceberg at the latest, but hopefully not the last, Caruso’s Grocery. —Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2023