scratch the surface
Barely begin exploring
To scratch the surface is to deal with something only superficially, examining or affecting just the outermost layer of a larger subject.
The phrase usually emphasizes how much remains unexplored: We've only scratched the surface of what this technology can do.
Sometimes used to describe damage or impact that is merely cosmetic: The scandal barely scratched the surface of his popularity.
Hasty and incomplete
- perfunctoryDone with minimal effort
- skin-deepAffecting only the surface
- glancingLooking briefly or obliquely
- skimPass over lightly
overview · glimpse · shallow · brief · incomplete · partial · introductory · preliminary
Thorough examination or tool
- delveSearch or investigate thoroughly
- investigateSeek facts systematically
- exploreTravel to discover
- examineStudy with attention
uncover · dig deeper · research · analyze · inquiry · study · discover · reveal
Not yet utilized
- hidden depthsUnexpected interior complexity
- icebergFloating glacial fragment
- tipEnd or gratuity
- beneathIn a lower position
underlying · deeper meaning · vast · unexplored · concealed · latent · dormant · unrealized
cursory
Hasty and incomplete
- perfunctoryDone with minimal effort
- skin-deepAffecting only the surface
- glancingLooking briefly or obliquely
skim · overview · glimpse · shallow · brief · incomplete · partial · introductory · preliminary · rudimentary
probe
Thorough examination or tool
- delveSearch or investigate thoroughly
- investigateSeek facts systematically
- exploreTravel to discover
examine · uncover · dig deeper · research · analyze · inquiry · study · discover · reveal · peek
untapped
Not yet utilized
- hidden depthsUnexpected interior complexity
- icebergFloating glacial fragment
- tipEnd or gratuity
beneath · underlying · deeper meaning · vast · unexplored · concealed · latent · dormant · unrealized · waiting
scratch the surfacedig deep
Access hidden reserves
get to the bottom of · leave no stone unturned · in-depth analysis · go deep · get into the weeds
scratch the surfacemaster
Authority or controller
know inside and out · expertise · get to grips with · internalize · fathom
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