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冰山一角

bīng shān yī jiǎo

HSK 7–9

Meaning

  • tip of the iceberg

Definition

比喻事物已经显露出来的部分只是很小的一部分，大部分还隐藏着。

The tip of the iceberg; a small, visible part of a much larger hidden problem or situation.

Usage

常用于形容问题、困难或现象的已知部分只是冰山露出水面的一角，实际远不止于此。

Often used to describe that the known part of a problem, difficulty, or phenomenon is just the tip of the iceberg, with much more beneath the surface.

Examples

  • 1 这些问题只是冰山一角，背后还有更复杂的原因。 (These problems are just the tip of the iceberg; there are more complex reasons behind them.)
  • 2 他展示的成果只是冰山一角，实际上他做了大量研究。 (The results he showed are just the tip of the iceberg; he actually did a lot of research.)
  • 3 公司面临的财务问题可能只是冰山一角。 (The financial problems the company faces may just be the tip of the iceberg.)
  • 4 我们看到的犯罪数据只是冰山一角，实际犯罪率可能更高。 (The crime data we see is just the tip of the iceberg; the actual crime rate may be higher.)
  • 5 他对这个项目的初步了解只是冰山一角，需要深入研究。 (His preliminary understanding of this project is just the tip of the iceberg; in-depth research is needed.)

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