What is the meaning of the expression "just the tip of the iceberg"?
(P. Habeeb Rahman, Madurai)
For most movie buffs, an iceberg is usually associated with one major event — the sinking of the Titanic! The expression "just the tip of the iceberg" was in use long before the ill-fated ship went down. One of the characteristics of the iceberg is that most of it remains under water. Only a small portion of it remains above water; it's usually the tip that we see floating. In other words, there is more to an iceberg than meets the eye!
When you say that a problem or a situation is just the tip of the iceberg, what you mean is that the problem is much more serious than it appears to be. What you see is only a small part of a really major problem. Here are a few examples.
* The layoffs are only the tip of the iceberg. I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to close down the plant next year.
* The recent riots are just the tip of the iceberg.
* The small protests that we see now are only the tip of the iceberg. I have a feeling things are going to turn violent pretty soon.
S. Upendran
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