What does it mean by 'tipping the iceberg'?

Answer 1

From "The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition." 2002.

tip of the iceberg
Only a hint or suggestion of a much larger or more complex issue or problem: “The money missing from petty cash was only the tip of the iceberg of financial mismanagement.” This phrase alludes to the fact that the bulk of a floating iceberg is concealed beneath the water, leaving only a small portion, its tip, visible above.

From the Urban Dictionary:

1. tip of the iceberg

When a male is holding himself from peeing.

"I had three beers in an hour, and now it's right at the tip of the iceberg."

Answer 2

Typically the saying goes something like this:
"That's just the tip of the iceberg."

Icebergs are very large masses of ice. These large masses float around in the sea/ocean, and are, for the most part concealed below the water's surface. When you see an iceberg bobbing around above the surface you're typically only viewing a small percentage of the actual mass.

So, when someone uses that saying, they're basically saying that you've only seen/experienced a little bit of what is actually to come.

Answer 3

"Tip of the Iceberg"

Because most of the times when you see an iceberg sticking out of the water that's only the tip of it. The actual iceberg is much much bigger than that part that is sticking out.

SO, when people say that's just the tip of the iceberg that means that the problem or the issues are far greater than what you've heard so far.

Answer 4

Tip of the Iceberg is: Only the beginning; just a tiny indication of a larger possibility.

Since approx 90% of an iceberg is under water - you only see a small portion of what is actually there

Answer 5

if you are talking about "on the tip of the iceberg", then the person who is saying it to you could be referring to how you are just barely on something that you dont even know how big it is. icebergs can be massive, like underwater mountains, and you can be standing on the very top of it when only a little bit is sticking out of the water, so it looks very small, but in reality, it is enormous, but this truth is hidden deep in the water, out of sight.

Answer 6

That is giving a tip for the especially slow to glacial service you received from the waitress at the bar. Your friend asks you " Are you tipping the iceberg." and you respond. Nah, I am waiting for hell to freeze over.

Answer 7

It means you're only just at the "tip" of a huge, unforseen problem (like an iceberg)

Answer 8

If you actually "tip the iceberg", the whole thing could come crashing down or submerge. If you are tipping the iceberg, you are pushing something that could really be a big problem if you push enough.

Answer 9

tip of the iceberg???

Answer 10

its a metaphor
like skating on thin ice
if its your rents who are saying it
i would watch what your saying
its one of those..."dont step over the line"
...so u very carefully step over the line.