English Explanatory Dictionary

tip of the iceberg

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A small indication of a larger possibility; the first part encountered of a problem that is much bigger than it seems.

Pronunciation

/ˈtɪp‿əv ðiː ˈaɪsbɜːɡ/ /ˈtɪp‿əv ði ˈaɪsbɝɡ/ En-au-tip of the iceberg.ogg

Word forms

tip of the iceberg tips of icebergs tips of the icebergs

Etymology

From the fact that floating icebergs typically have about nine-tenths of their volume below the surface of the water. Early 20th-century uses of the term are believed to have been influenced by the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic on April 15, 1912 after it struck an iceberg.

Related words

cockroach theory drop in the ocean scratch the surface

Derived words

tip of the ice cube
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