tip of the iceberg

1. Only a hint or suggestion of a much larger or more complex issue or problem: “The money missing from petty cash was only the tip of the iceberg of financial mismanagement.” This phrase alludes to the fact that the bulk of a floating iceberg is concealed beneath the water, leaving only a small portion, its tip, visible above.

Idioms and Phrases

Superficial evidence of a much larger problem, as in Laying off a hundred workers is only the tip of the iceberg. This idiom alludes to the structure of an iceberg, most of whose bulk lies underwater. [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

Dr Ingala Smith said the organisation was "dealing with the tip of the iceberg" as there were "many more" cases of violence that did not result in death.

From BBC

Some experts warn that recent escalations could be the tip of the iceberg, however, as many fundamental economic issues remain unresolved.

From BBC

And Cook’s ouster is just the tip of the iceberg.

From Slate

Massive shopping centers are just the tip of the iceberg of this 30-square-mile city that boasts historic architecture, an innovative theater scene and more than 50 parks.

From Los Angeles Times

Konstantin Akinsha said publicly known cases of disputed works by Malevich and other artists of the period were only "the tip of the iceberg," adding that "thousands of questionable works continue to circulate today".

From BBC

Related Words

• cursory 
• frivolous 
• one-dimensional 
• perfunctory 
• silly 
• sketchy 
• slight 
• trivial