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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a domino effect

COMMON A domino effect is a situation where one event causes a series of similar events. The accident created a domino effect, causing about 10 other bikes to crash and injuring 14 other people. Unused houses deteriorate rapidly, affecting the value of nearby homes; in a domino effect, the entire neighborhood can easily fall victim. Note: This expression was first used in the 1950s by an American political commentator to describe what some people thought would happen if one country in a region became Communist: they believed that the other countries in that area would also `fall' to the Communists. The image is of a row of upright dominoes (= small, rectangular games pieces with different numbers of dots on them); if one falls, it knocks the next one over and so on, until all of them have fallen over.
See also: domino, effect
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • a domino effect
  • domino
  • emperor
  • little emperor
  • Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
  • thereof
  • live (something) over again
  • make the first move
  • Mandela effect
  • in series
References in periodicals archive
A best-seller on Amazon, The Domino Effect examines the transformative effects of the shale revolution.
The Domino Effect: How the Shale Revolution Is Transforming Energy Markets, Industries and Economies
Domino Effect Productions, LLC is a full service production company dedicated to producing original and unconventional content.
Domino Effect Productions, Increases ROI on Business with Videos
If the disturbances in Syria reach the point of country's breakup, or terrorist forces control Syria, or if the two cases happen, then this will immediately spill over into neighbouring countries first, and later there will be a domino effect that will reach countries across the Middle East, he added.
Assad says fall of his regime to cause 'domino effect' fuelling Middle East instability
The John Kerry domino effect is something completely different.
Kerry move may topple dominoes
In a domino effect fashion, this could, in turn, mean that the Fed, along with the European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan, and other central banks looking to stimulate their economies, keep priming the liquidity pump.
Priming the liquidity pump
Verdant ran into the horse in front of him in a domino effect caused by pacesetter Captain John Nixon breaking a leg.
Horror fall for Moore
More support comes from the talented songbird SAMANTHA DURNAN and newcomers DOMINO EFFECT.
Everything's coming up roses; Also playing: Sister Rose
Summary: Anti-government protests that toppled rulers in Tunisia and Egypt will not spread to Algeria in a "domino effect" across the region, Algerian Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci said in an interview published Sunday.
Algeria will not see unrest domino effect, foreign minister says
Dubai With the continuation of the "domino effect" of the Tunisian protests held late last December followed by the massive demonstrations in Egypt across nearly all the region, the situation in Arab countries will never return to the pre-December status, analysts say.
Arab world set for renaissance as protests spread across region
The domino effect acquires another dimension with the uprising of the Egyptian people following the uprising of the Tunisian people, and what is being witnessed throughout the Arab region in terms of the chain reaction in more than one state enjoying different conditions and situations in major objective and structural ways.
"Made in the Middle East"
"A riot like the one at Ford could start a domino effect around the country.
Gang law 'winning'
While the economy may be improving, unemployment continues to run high in most areas of the country, creating a treacherous domino effect on state tax collections.
No end in sight for states' budget crises
"The real worry in Nato circles - if the Dutch were to pull out - would be that it might start a domino effect. No Nato country in the last eight years has pulled out from Afghanistan completely yet," he said.
Dutch cabinet falls over Afghan row
A domino effect triggered by the delay may cause this part of the brain to be wrongly wired, it is believed.
A DEFECT in the brain [...]