When we use the phrase "scratching the surface," it means that we have only begun to explore a topic and have not delved deeply into its complexities. Synonyms for this phrase could include "barely touching the tip of the iceberg," "merely skimming the surface," or "providing only a superficial glimpse." These expressions convey the idea that there is much more to discover beneath the surface and that further investigation is needed to truly understand the topic at hand. Other alternatives might include "getting a cursory overview," "briefly exploring the surface," or "conducting a simple survey." Regardless of which expression is used, the implication is the same: we have much more to learn.