A figurative expression contrasting an outward sign of calmness, purity, or coldness at a high level with intense emotion, activity, or conflict elsewhere; used to indicate that appearances at the top or surface do not reflect conditions below.
An observation that visible tranquility or distance does not preclude passionate or turbulent circumstances closer to the center of affairs.
Examples:
EN: There may be snow on the mountaintop, but there's fire in the valley.
ES: Puede que haya nieve en la cima, pero hay fuego en el valle.
ID: Mungkin ada salju di puncak gunung, tapi ada api di lembahnya.