Snowball effect

Meaning

The idiom "snowball effect" refers to a chain reaction of events that have a significant impact on an initial situation. The figurative meaning is the rapid growth or expansion of something, often starting with a small action or event.

Usage

• The snowball effect of the pandemic led to widespread lockdowns and job losses across the country.
• The snowball effect of a successful marketing campaign can lead to an increase in sales.
• A minor issue in a relationship can have a snowball effect on the entire relationship.
• The snowball effect of climate change is expected to have significant consequences for the planet.
• The snowball effect of a person's actions can have ripple effects that impact others.

Roots and History

The idiom "snowball effect" has been in use since at least the 1920s. It was first used in the context of the stock market, where small gains or losses could lead to a chain reaction of events. The term "snowball effect" comes from the idea that a snowball grows larger as it rolls downhill, picking up more and more snow along the way. Over time, the idiom has been used in a variety of contexts to describe rapid growth or expansion.

Synonyms in English

• Chain reaction
• Butterfly effect
• Viral effect
• Avalanche effect
• Tidal wave effect

Synonyms in other languages

• Enchaînement en cascade (French)
• 稳定性 (Japanese)
• 쇼크와운 영향 (Korean)
• 흐름 개략화 (Chinese)

Similar Idioms

• smitten with

• strike while the iron is hot

• cast aspersions