tip of the iceberg
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a very small difficulty or problem that is actually part of a much bigger and more serious problem
The phrase "tip of the iceberg" comes from the literal idea of an iceberg, which is a massive piece of ice floating in the ocean. However, what is visible above the water's surface is just a small portion of the entire iceberg; the majority of it is hidden beneath the water. This concept was first popularized in the early 20th century to describe situations where only a small, visible part of a larger issue or problem is apparent.
- The financial audit revealed some irregularities, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.
- The data we've collected so far is fascinating, but it's only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we can learn.
- The environmental impact study found pollution in the river, but that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the overall pollution problem.
- The scandal involving the company's CEO is only the tip of the iceberg; there's likely more wrongdoing beneath the surface.