The phrase “het topje van de ijsberg” is a Dutch idiom that literally translates to “the tip of the iceberg”. It is used to figuratively describe a situation where only a small part of a problem or issue is visible, while the much larger and more significant part is hidden beneath the surface.
The idiom is often used to emphasize the importance of looking beyond the obvious and considering the underlying causes of a problem. It is a reminder that there is often more to a situation than meets the eye.
Here are some examples of how the idiom can be used in a sentence:
- “De armoede in de stad is slechts het topje van de ijsberg. Er zijn veel meer factoren die bijdragen aan de problemen waarmee mensen hier te maken krijgen.” (The poverty in the city is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more factors that contribute to the problems that people face here.)
- “De corruptie in het bedrijf was al langer gaande, maar het schandaal was het topje van de ijsberg.” (The corruption in the company had been going on for a long time, but the scandal was the tip of the iceberg.)
- “Psychische problemen zijn vaak het topje van de ijsberg. Er zijn vaak diepere problemen gaande die aandacht nodig hebben.” (Mental health problems are often the tip of the iceberg. There are often deeper issues at play that need attention.)
The idiom “het topje van de ijsberg” is a useful reminder that there is often more to a situation than what we can see on the surface. It is important to be aware of the hidden factors that can contribute to problems and to look for solutions that address the root causes.
Is there anything else I can help you with?