English · Work & Business
the tip of the iceberg
/ðə tɪp əv ði ˈaɪs.bɜːɡ/
[/ðə tɪp əv ði ˈaɪs.bɜːɡ/]
small visible part
Intermediatephrase
Definition
A small, visible part of a much larger hidden problem.
Example
The missing files are just the tip of the iceberg; the whole accounting system is a mess.
The missing files are just the tip of the iceberg; the whole accounting system is a mess.
Etymology
From the fact that only about a tenth of an iceberg shows above the water's surface.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for indicating a problem far larger than what is apparent.