The tip of the iceberg Meaning in English
expression
Definition
This expression means that what you see or know is only a small part of a much bigger issue or situation, with most details hidden or unknown.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in both formal and informal situations to warn that problems or complexities are deeper than they appear. It's often related to hidden dangers or underlying causes. The phrase usually follows 'this is just...' or 'it's only...' patterns.
Example Sentences
What we saw in the report is only the tip of the iceberg.
basic
The problems we noticed are just the tip of the iceberg.
basic
Her story is just the tip of the iceberg; there's much more to learn.
basic
Trust me, that accounting mistake is just the tip of the iceberg—the company has much deeper issues.
natural
People think the traffic is bad, but that's only the tip of the iceberg—the real issue is the city’s lack of public transport.
natural
If you think the emails are annoying, wait until you see their calls—that’s truly the tip of the iceberg!
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