Meaning
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem.
Primary Function
Scale warning.
Communicative Purpose
To indicate that what’s seen is just the beginning.
Pattern
the tip of the iceberg
Core Structure
the tip of the iceberg
Função primária
Scale warning.
Propósito comunicativo
To indicate that what’s seen is just the beginning.
Situações de gatilho
Investigations, scandals, data anomalies.
Contextos
Business, crime, research.
Padrão
the tip of the iceberg
Estrutura central
the tip of the iceberg
Slots de substituição
none
Colocados típicos
- just
- only
- this is
Substituições comuns
- just scratching the surface
Erros comuns
the top of the iceberg (not idiomatic)
Similar / contraste
the thin edge of the wedge
Interferências
Iceberg image.
Família do chunk
- Hidden-extent idioms
Nuance
Ominous, cautionary.
Efeito pragmático
Raises awareness of deeper issues.
Dica de memória
Iceberg showing only top above water.
Nota
This idiom highlights the hidden depth of problems beyond what is immediately visible.
Upgrade path
a mere fraction of the total extent (formal)
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