tip of the iceberg

Meaning

A small, noticeable part of a much larger problem, situation, or issue that remains hidden or unseen. It suggests that what you currently see is only a tiny fraction of the whole reality.

Examples

• The minor errors we found in the report are likely just the tip of the iceberg.

  The minor errors we found in the report are likely just the tip of the iceberg.

• He complained about his noisy neighbors, but that was only the tip of the iceberg of his housing problems.

  He complained about his noisy neighbors, but that was only the tip of the iceberg of his housing problems.

• The initial arrest of the suspect was just the tip of the iceberg in a massive international investigation.

  The initial arrest of the suspect was just the tip of the iceberg in a massive international investigation.

• Losing fifty dollars was the tip of the iceberg; she later realized her entire identity had been stolen.

  Losing fifty dollars was the tip of the iceberg; she later realized her entire identity had been stolen.

• These customer complaints are just the tip of the iceberg regarding our product's quality issues.

  These customer complaints are just the tip of the iceberg regarding our product's quality issues.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ This great success is just the tip of the iceberg.

  ✓ These minor issues are just the tip of the iceberg.

  Although it can theoretically refer to positive things, 'tip of the iceberg' is overwhelmingly used in negative contexts to refer to hidden problems or difficulties.

• ✗ We only solved the top of the iceberg today.

  ✓ We only solved the tip of the iceberg today.

  The idiom uses the specific word 'tip', not 'top' or 'peak'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The missing files we discovered today are probably just the ___ of the iceberg.

  💡 The very top point

  Show answer

  tip

• Don't be fooled by his quiet demeanor; his temper tantrums are just the tip of the ___.

  💡 A large floating mass of ice

  Show answer

  iceberg