scratch the surface

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

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

These barely scratch the surface of what “Twin Peaks” came to mean to TV and popular culture more broadly, and if you need a reminder or have yet to fall under the spell of Kyle MacLachlan’s FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper, now is the time.

From Salon

There are also enameled cast-iron pans that you don’t need to season, however, while you can put them in the oven and use them at high heat, the enameled coating does mean you can’t use metal utensils and must be careful not to scratch the surface.

From Salon

Related Words

• gather
• interpret
• know
• learn
• refer to
• scan
• see
• study
• translate
• view