snow-capped mountain; iceberg; unreliable patron
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesnoun
perennially snow-capped mountain; high mountain with year-round ice and snow
Refers to high-altitude mountains like the Himalayas that are permanently covered in snow and ice.
Mount Everest is a huge perennially snow-capped mountain.
The distant snow-capped mountain glistens in the sunlight.
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The climbing team spent three months climbing that snow-capped mountain.
noun
iceberg; massive ice block floating in the ocean
Formed when glacier ends at the poles break off (calve) and slide into the ocean. Often only a small portion is visible above water.
The Titanic sank after colliding with an iceberg.
Many huge icebergs float in the Antarctic waters.
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Scientists are studying the movement speed of this iceberg.
noun
unreliable patron; backer that cannot be depended on for long; temporary support
Metaphorical usage implying that the support is temporary and may 'melt away' like an iceberg. Often used in political or business contexts.
He thought he had found a backer, but it turned out to be an iceberg—unreliable.
Don't think you can rest easy just because the leader appreciates you; that is just an iceberg that can melt at any moment.
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In this industry, there are no permanent backers, only temporary icebergs.