Synonyms

scratch the surface

Idioms

Investigate or treat something superficially, as in This feed-the-hungry program only scratches the surface of the problem, or Her survey course barely scratches the surface of economic history. This metaphoric term transfers shallow markings made in a stone or other material to a shallow treatment of a subject or issue. [Early 1900s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“But then you scratch the surface a bit more and you look at things like electricity prices.”

From Los Angeles Times

And those don’t even scratch the surface of the sentiments being tossed around on social media.

From Salon

But scratch the surface and the identity of the group is a fluid blend of cultures.

From Los Angeles Times

In my short lifespan, I probably won’t do more than scratch the surface of what an orchestra can do, but I’m working on it.

From Los Angeles Times

Scratch the surface of American politics or culture, and medievalism seems to always be lurking just beneath.

From Slate

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023