ripple effect
noun phrase

- when one event produces effects which spread and produce further effects

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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When you throw a rock or pebble into a body of water like a pond or a lake, a series of concentric rings spreads out from the centre. These rings are called ripples.

Like the pebble that causes ripples across the water, an event that causes other things to happen is said to create a ripple effect. Financial markets are well known for this phenomenon with good or bad news leading investors to make buy or sell decisions.

Other effects that you might come across include:

- domino effect = similar to the ripple effect, the domino effect is when something, usually something bad, happens and causes other similar events to happen.

- butterfly effect = where a very small change in one part of a system later results in very large differences to the larger system.

- halo effect = in psychology, the tendency for an impression created in one area to influence opinion in another area.


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Practice OWAD in a conversation:

"Have you considered all the RIPPLE EFFECTS of us reducing headcount?"