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to scratch the surface
01
to fail to deal with all aspects of a problem, topic, etc.
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "scratch the surface" and when to use it?
The idiom "scratch the surface" originates from the concept of shallowly or lightly removing a thin layer from the surface of an object. Metaphorically, it implies a limited or superficial understanding or exploration of a subject or topic, without delving deeper into its complexities or underlying details. In other words, the phrase is used to emphasize the need for further investigation or analysis to gain a more comprehensive understanding or uncover hidden aspects.
Examples
The introductory course only scratches the surface of the subject; to truly master it, one must pursue advanced studies.
