knock-on effect
Consequence from consequence
A knock-on effect is a secondary consequence triggered by an initial event, like dominoes falling in sequence.
The term comes from rugby, where a knock-on is an illegal forward fumble that stops play.
In general use, it describes how one change causes another: Rising fuel costs had a knock-on effect on food prices.
Usually plural: The factory closure will have knock-on effects throughout the region.
- impactForceful contact or consequence
- outcomeFinal result of events
- chain reactionSelf-sustaining causal sequence
- consequenceResult of an action
- systemic riskEconomy-wide collapse potential
result · upshot · aftershock · time delay · feedback loop · vicious cycle · technological disruption · interconnectivity · unintended consequence · interdependence · causal link · market volatility · tipping point · house of cards · social contagion · ecosystem balance · ripple · collateral damage
- effectsconsequence, result, outcome, aftereffect, vignette
- liquid flowpour, flow, gush, spill, drip
- Unexpected benefitssilver lining, bonus, perk, windfall, lucky break
knock-on effectdirect cause
Immediate source of outcome
direct effect · root cause · primary cause · triggering event · prime mover
knock, knocks, knocked, knocking, knocker, knockers, effect, effects, effected