tip of the ice cube en · NOUN
Etymology
By analogy with tip of the iceberg, since an ice cube is a comparatively small object.
Meanings
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(humorous, idiomatic) The first aspect of an insignificant or exaggerated problem or situation.
In fact, this is “just the tip of the ice cube,” for he also has to worry about the charges that have accrued at the camp's other watering hole, Rosie's bar.
2022, David Scott Diffrient, Comic Drunks, Crazy Cults, and Lovable Monsters, page 93:“Come on,” he said, “This is only the tip of the ice cube. Let me show you some of the stuff that never made it to the big screen.”
2021, Iain McCaig, Shadowline, page 67: