Meaning:
The idiom, "Tip of the iceberg", meaning a small, visible, or known part of a problem is only a tiny fraction of a much larger, hidden, and more complex issue. ie. the portion of something that is immediately apparent, which obscures the complexity of the subject being discussed.
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.
From online + wiki with editing
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Saw an article recently on Global News website about human trafficking, and felt bothered by the finding (https://globalnews.ca/news/11568389/canada-human-trafficking-increases-2024/).
Knowing the illegal trade of humans for exploitation, started from ancient salvery, has existed for millennia, but the ever increasing number is worrisome, especially as the crime is often targeting women and children.
Per Julia Drydyk, executive director of the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking：
"The data issued by Statistics Canada and also data from the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is only the tip of the iceberg" (as) "less than 10 percent of human trafficking survivors are willing to engage with law enforcement as part of their journey."
I tried to think of a positive usage example of the idiom, but failed this morning. If you know any, please do tell and share. Thank you!
