the tip of an iceberg
be the tip of the iceberg
To be only a small, often unrepresentative portion of something much larger or more complex that cannot yet be seen or understood. If Congress doesn't vote to extend the debt limit, a government shutdown will be the tip of the iceberg in terms of what the country will have to deal with. With mobile apps, you have to account for replay value, monetization, ad revenue, and how much the players will spread the game to their friends. Making a fun game is really just the tip of the iceberg!
See also: iceberg, of, tip
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
the tip of an (or the) iceberg
the small perceptible part of a much larger situation or problem which remains hidden.This phrase refers to the fact that only about one fifth of the mass of an iceberg is visible above the surface of the sea.
1998 New Scientist This leaves pressure groups wondering whether there are further breaches still waiting to be discovered. Sue Mayer of Gene Watch asks: ‘Is it the tip of the iceberg?’
See also: iceberg, of, tip
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- be the tip of the iceberg
- iceberg
- just the tip of the iceberg
- the tip of the iceberg
- tip of the iceberg
- tip of the iceberg, (only) the
- it's a (type of person) thing
- it's a... thing
- be/go against the grain
- go against the grain