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 examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg, with more releases out from The Cure, Megan Moroney, Ethel Cain and a collaboration between Champion, Skrillex, Four Tet and Naisha. Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 1 Nov. 2024 Leaders often see the sharp end of conflict – the tribunal or legal case, the number of formal complaints, the percentage of churn, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Anna Shields, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 Goldman spoke exclusively to several retreat attendees and found out that AI phishing attacks and deepfakes may be just the tip of the iceberg. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024 Detectives say the four victims could just be the tip of the iceberg. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for the tip of the iceberg 

Dictionary Entries Near the tip of the iceberg

thetin

the tip of the iceberg

Thetis

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 16 Nov. 2024.

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