domino effect



domino effect

A phenomenon in which an initial event causes a series of other related events to occur, much like the sequence seen in toppling dominos; a chain reaction. The convenience store's decision to stop selling tobacco products caused a domino effect throughout the industry, leading other chains to quickly follow suit. When I took one book out of the bookcase, it caused a domino effect, causing all of the others to topple over.
See also: domino, effect

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
RyleighRIE-leeEnglish (Modern)
Gordian-History
LeszekLE-shekPolish
Lisandroee-SAHN-droSpanish
Luigina-Italian
Mechtildemekht-IL-dəGerman