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

The thousands of claims, seeking at least $10,000 each, could be just the tip of the iceberg, according to experts. —Ethan Baron, The Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2024

But as the repercussions of the new law continue to reverberate around the world of higher education in Utah, many leaders see this as the tip of the iceberg. —Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 3 Apr. 2024

With more than 200 vendors on site, fresh produce, flowers, bread and handmade treats are just the tip of the iceberg. —Amber Turpin, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024

In terms of the potential of human milk studies, research into HMO drug development is just the tip of the iceberg. —Deborah Balthazar, STAT, 29 Mar. 2024

Those three pairs are just the tip of the iceberg in a sea of straight-leg styles. —Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024

Other unusual baseball memorabilia sold at Reds Authentics Baseballs are just the tip of the iceberg of what's sold at Reds Authentics. —Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 28 Jan. 2024

One case may be the tip of the iceberg without prompt intervention, especially with pneumonic disease. —Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

Beauty just recorded its 20th consecutive quarter of growth—but Mandy Fields, CFO since 2019, says that’s just the tip of the iceberg. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2024