English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Tip of the iceberg
Meaning
The idiom "tip of the iceberg" refers to a small part or sample of something that represents or gives an indication of the whole. It suggests that there is much more to be discovered beneath the surface. The phrase can also mean that the visible part is all that matters, and the rest is unimportant.
Usage
- "I only saw the tip of the iceberg when I visited the museum." This means that the speaker only saw a small portion of the museum's exhibits and doesn't know what else is there.
- "Don't judge a book by its cover, because you're only seeing the tip of the iceberg." This means that one should not form an opinion about something based on its appearance alone.
- "The company has been hit hard by the pandemic, but we're still able to keep our heads above water." This means that despite the difficulties, the company is managing to stay afloat.
- "I had a feeling there was more to the story than what I was told, and it turns out I was right." This means that the speaker suspected that there was more information hidden from them, and they were correct.
- "The politician's campaign promises to address all the issues facing the country, but it's just the tip of the iceberg." This means that the politician's promises are superficial and don't take into account the complexities of the issues.
Roots and History
The origin of the idiom "tip of the iceberg" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 18th century. One theory suggests that the phrase comes from the practice of measuring a ship's waterline by placing a piece of rope on the ice before it sank into the water. This would give an indication of how much water was left above the ship's deck, or the "tip of the iceberg." Another theory suggests that the phrase comes from the game of chess, where the iceberg represents the board and the tip is the point where the iceberg meets the water. The idea being that the visible part of the board (the tip) is all that matters and that there is much more to be discovered beneath the surface. Over time, the idiom has been used in different ways, but its overall meaning remains the same - a small part or sample that represents or gives an indication of the whole.
Synonyms in English
- "A taste of things to come"
- "A glimpse into the future"
- "A peek under the surface"
- "Just the tip of the iceberg"
- "A small slice of the pie"
Synonyms in other languages
- French: "Un coup d'oeil sur l'horizon" - A glance at the horizon, which suggests a broader view of things.
- German: "Ein bisschen von den Kugeln sehen" - To catch a glimpse of something, indicating a limited but informative view.
- Italian: "Vedere di sguardo" - To look at something from afar, suggesting a distant or superficial perspective.
- Spanish: "Ver un poco más allá" - To see further than what is immediately visible, indicating a broader perspective.
- Japanese: "覚めるやかに見えるもの" - Things that are easily seen and can be perceived, suggesting a limited view of things.