The tip of the iceberg
/ðə ˈtɪp əv ði ˈaɪsbɜːrɡ/neutral, informalUK · US · AU · IE · CA
What does “The tip of the iceberg” mean?
The tip of the iceberg means this is a small, visible part of a much larger problem or situation that remains hidden.
This phrase means that you can only see a tiny piece of something very large. The visible part is usually a small sign of a much deeper, more serious issue.
People often say this as a warning. It reminds the listener not to judge a situation too quickly because worse news may follow.
When do people say it?
People use this phrase to warn that a difficult situation is far worse than it looks right now.
“The missing money was only the tip of the iceberg, as the company was deeply in debt.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: neutral, informal. It is most at home in both everyday conversation and professional writing. Most common in UK and US and AU and IE and CA.
Where does it come from?
It comes from the scientific fact that most of an iceberg stays underwater out of sight. People began using this phrase as an idiom in the early twentieth century.
Origin confidence: Well documented
How do you say “The tip of the iceberg” in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11