Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
the-tip-of-the-iceberg
idiom
/ðə tɪp əv ði ˈaɪsˌbɜrɡ/
Definition
A small part of a much larger situation or problem that is not immediately visible.
Examples
- The budget cuts are just the tip of the iceberg; there are bigger issues at the funding agency.
- When she complained about the noise in the building, it was only the tip of the iceberg regarding her overall dissatisfaction with the management.
Meaning
This phrase suggests that what you see or understand is only a fraction of the whole situation, often indicating that there are deeper issues or larger aspects that are not apparent.
Synonyms
- Small part of a larger issue
- Only the beginning
- Surface level
