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domino effect

   Also found in: Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.02 sec.
domino effect
n.
A cumulative effect produced when one event sets off a chain of similar events: the domino effect of increasing the speed limit in one of several contiguous states.

[From the fact that a row of dominoes stood on end will fall in succession if the first one is knocked over.]

domino effect
n
a series of similar or related events occurring as a direct and inevitable result of one initial event
[alluding to a row of dominoes, each standing on end, all of which fall when one is pushed: originally used with reference to possible Communist takeovers of countries in SE Asia]
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.domino effectdomino effect - the consequence of one event setting off a chain of similar events (like a falling domino causing a whole row of upended dominos to fall)
figure of speech, trope, image, figure - language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
consequence, effect, result, upshot, outcome, event, issue - a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon; "the magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise"; "his decision had depressing consequences for business"; "he acted very wise after the event"
Translations
domino effect
nDominowirkung for -effekt m


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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
To fill these slots, the Army pulled people from other units, which created a domino effect in readiness, he said.
Clausen's decision likely will have a domino effect across the country.
Many state associations have been active legislatively working to change some aspect of their profession, and oftentimes the end result will have a domino effect on nearby states.
 
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