domino effect

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.

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

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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]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

domino 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

n → Dominowirkung f → or -effekt m