Shopping for new appliances has never brought so much anxiety. Wouldn’t you be anxious if you saw a woman get sucked by a huge fan and disappear?
A small, noticeable part of a problem, the total size of which is really much greater:
These small local protests are just the tip of the iceberg.
Cambridge Dictionary
Baroness Minouche Shafik: What do we owe each other?
HARDtalk
The idea of a social contract between the individual and the state is a staple of political philosophy. But what happens when that contract is threatened by forces beyond the control of any government, like a climate crisis or, right now, a global pandemic? Stephen Sackur speaks to Baroness Minouche Shafik, director of the London School of Economics and former top official at the World Bank. Is humanity capable of collective action to meet global challenges?
The phrase “the tip of the iceberg” is an idiomatic expression that is often used to describe a situation where a small or visible part of a problem or issue is apparent, but the larger, more significant part remains hidden or undisclosed. The key points of “the tip of the iceberg” are:
Surface appearance: “The tip of the iceberg” refers to the small, visible portion of a larger entity or issue that is readily apparent or easily seen. It represents the superficial or surface appearance of something.
Concealed depth: The idiom implies that there is a much larger, more complex or hidden part that is not immediately visible. The visible part is just the beginning, and there is much more beneath the surface that may not be readily apparent.
Incomplete understanding: “The tip of the iceberg” suggests that the information or knowledge available is limited and does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the entire situation. It indicates that there may be more to the story or issue that is not yet known or understood.
Warning sign: The idiom can also be used to caution that the visible part of a problem or issue is just the beginning and that there may be more serious or significant consequences lurking beneath the surface. It serves as a warning that there may be more to consider or address beyond what is immediately apparent.
Need for further investigation: “The tip of the iceberg” implies that further exploration or investigation is required to uncover the underlying or hidden aspects of a situation. It suggests that additional effort or inquiry may be needed to fully understand the extent or implications of a problem or issue.
Overall, “the tip of the iceberg” conveys the idea that there is more to a situation than meets the eye, and that further investigation or consideration is necessary to fully comprehend its scope, complexity, or significance.
