PhrasesHub

A snowball effect

    Definitions

      • gradual growth or build-up
        Describes a situation or event that starts small but grows or escalates rapidly or exponentially, often in an uncontrollable manner.

      • chain reaction or ripple effect
        Refers to a series of events or actions that are triggered by a single initial action or event, leading to a larger and often unforeseen outcome.

      • cumulative impact
        Depicts the cumulative effect of small changes or actions, resulting in a significant impact or consequence.

    Examples of A snowball effect

    • The small mistake in the report led to a snowball effect of errors, causing the entire document to be rejected.

      The phrase "snowball effect" is used to describe a situation where a small issue or event leads to a series of larger and more significant problems. In this example, a single error in the report triggered a chain reaction of additional errors, ultimately resulting in the entire document being rejected.B.B.Q. (Barbecue)

    • Let's have a B.B.Q. This weekend to celebrate John's promotion.

      The acronym "B.B.Q." is commonly used to refer to a social gathering where food is cooked and eaten outdoors on a barbecue grill. In this example, the speaker is suggesting that they host a barbecue party to celebrate John's recent promotion.C.O.Y. (Close of Year)

    • The company's financial results for the C.O.Y. Period were impressive.

      The abbreviation "C.O.Y." is used to refer to the end of a calendar year, typically December 31st. In this example, the speaker is noting that the company's financial performance during the previous year was particularly strong.Knuckle Down

    • It's time to knuckle down and finish that project before the deadline.

      The phrase "knuckle down" is used to describe the act of focusing intently and working diligently to complete a task or project. In this example, the speaker is urging someone to put in the necessary effort to finish a project before the deadline.Hit the Ground Running

    • The new employee hit the ground running, quickly demonstrating her skills and expertise.

      The phrase "hit the ground running" is used to describe a situation where someone begins working or performing a task with great energy and efficiency. In this example, the speaker is noting that the new employee was able to make a significant impact on the company right from the start.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a snowball effect" is often used to describe a situation or event that starts small but quickly gains momentum and grows larger. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a positive or negative outcome, but it typically denotes a rapid and uncontrollable growth or escalation.

    In some cases, the idiom can also refer to a chain reaction or ripple effect, where a single action or event leads to a series of subsequent actions or events, resulting in a larger and often unforeseen outcome. This can be seen in economic or social contexts, where a small change or event can have a significant impact on the overall system.

    Overall, the idiom "a snowball effect" is a powerful and vivid metaphor for depicting the gradual growth or build-up of something, whether it be positive or negative, and its potential to lead to a larger and often unexpected outcome.

    Origin of "A snowball effect"

    The origin of the idiom "a snowball effect" can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was first used in a literal sense to describe the rapid growth of a small snowball as it rolled down a snowy hill. The phrase was later used in a figurative sense to describe the rapid growth or escalation of a situation or event.

    The idiom gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in economic and political contexts, as a way to describe the impact of small changes or actions on a larger system. It has since become a commonly used phrase in everyday language, often used to describe situations or events that start small but quickly grow out of control.