The domino effect
Meaning
The domino effect describes a cumulative outcome where one action or event triggers a series of similar or related events.
Origin
The game of dominoes, with its familiar rectangular tiles, dates back to 12th-century China, but the concept of arranging them to fall in sequence is a much more recent phenomenon. The visual spectacle of one tile knocking over another, leading to a mesmerising cascade, became a popular pastime in the 20th century, especially for demonstrations of physics and kinetic energy. This simple, compelling image naturally lent itself to describing any situation where a single event triggers an unstoppable chain of consequences. The phrase gained significant traction in the mid-20th century, notably in political discourse, to describe how the fall of one nation might lead to others following suit, solidifying its place as a vivid metaphor for inevitable, sequential reactions.
Examples
- The collapse of the housing market created a domino effect that impacted banks, investors, and eventually the entire global economy.
- Just one missed deadline can trigger a domino effect, causing delays for every subsequent task in the project.