the tip of the iceberg



the tip of the iceberg

a small part of a problem or a difficult situation which is really much larger than it seems
Usage notes: An iceberg is a very large mass of ice that floats in the sea and often it is only possible to see a small part of it.
What you saw last night was just the tip of the iceberg. The difficulties we've discussed are only the tip of the iceberg.
See also: iceberg, of, tip

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Heli (2)HE-leeFinnish
Sendoa-Basque
Leui-Biblical Greek
Baruchbə-ROOK (English), BER-ook (English), BAR-ook (English), BAHR-ook (English)Biblical, Hebrew
Fififee-FEEFrench
Marin['mærin]