Only the beginning; just a small indication of a larger possibility; a problem is much bigger than it seems.

Etymology:

  • From tip + iceberg. Floating icebergs have a significant proportion of their mass below the surface of the water.
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This is only the tip of the iceberg. If this works, we can do much more.

Submitted on September 01, 2009

Additional definitions for 'tip of the iceberg':

tip of the icebergOcean Scientists assert in reference to an 'iceberg': The {tip} exposed portion, visible above the sea, is only one eighth of the actual size of this awesome natural phenomenon found in the polar seas of our planet Earth.
Tip of the IcebergSmaller part of a bigger problem or even a larger problematic situation.
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    "tip of the iceberg." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/tip-of-the-iceberg_7564>.

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