THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
The tip of the iceberg
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
A small visible or known part of something much larger, often a problem.
Usage note: keep in mind
The tip of the iceberg is the visible or known part of something much larger. It often refers to a problem, but can also describe a small part of a larger amount of work or information. The point is the hidden scale, not simply that something is small.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The recent data leak was just the tip of the iceberg—more security flaws were later discovered.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The recent data leak was just ________—more security flaws were later discovered.
Show the answer
The tip of the iceberg — A small visible or known part of something much larger, often a problem.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “The tip of the iceberg” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
A small visible or known part of something much larger, often a problem.
Compare: The recent data leak was just the tip of the iceberg—more security flaws were later discovered.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- The three broken links were only the tip of the iceberg; many other pages needed repairs.
- These introductory examples are just the tip of the iceberg of what the archive contains.
Check your understanding
Why might an investigator call two discovered errors the tip of the iceberg?
Check your answer
Because those errors suggest a much larger set of undiscovered problems. The expression compares what is visible with a larger underlying whole.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where the tip of the iceberg fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.