effetto domino
masculine
The English phrase 'domino effect' is translated into Italian as effetto domino.
The phrase is used in Italian in the same contexts as in English, such as economics, politics or describing a sequence of physical events.
Meaning: chain of events (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is a direct calque of the English 'domino effect', where effetto means 'effect' and domino refers to the game pieces.
How does it change in a sentence?
When pluralizing the phrase, only the noun effetto takes the plural ending, while domino remains unchanged as it acts as an attributive modifier.
Did you know?
- The term domino may have evolved from the Latin liturgical phrase benedīcāmus Dominō, which means 'let us bless the Lord'.
- Beyond the 'domino effect', the word domino in Italian can refer to a hooded cloak traditionally worn during carnival masquerades to hide the wearer's identity.
- While effetto domino is a direct translation, Italians frequently use the phrase effetto a catena, which literally translates to 'chain effect'.
Examples in context
- L'aumento dei prezzi del petrolio può causare un effetto domino sull'economia globale.The increase in oil prices can cause a domino effect on the global economy.
- Il fallimento di un grande marchio può innescare una catena di eventi che colpisce l'intera industria.The failure of a major brand can trigger a chain of events that affects the entire industry.
- L'aumento delle tasse ha scatenato un effetto a cascata, facendo aumentare anche i prezzi dei generi alimentari.The increase in taxes triggered a domino effect, causing food prices to rise as well.
- C'è un rischio di effetto domino.There is a risk of a domino effect.
- L'aumento dei prezzi ha un effetto domino.The price increase has a domino effect.
- Dobbiamo evitare l'effetto domino tra i reparti.We must avoid a domino effect between the departments.
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are discussing a business problem.
- ChiaraSe perdiamo questo cliente, avremo un effetto domino.If we lose this client, we'll have a domino effect.
- MatteoCosa intendi esattamente, Chiara?What exactly do you mean, Chiara?
- ChiaraGli altri clienti potrebbero decidere di lasciarci.The other clients might decide to leave us.
- MatteoHai ragione, Matteo deve intervenire subito.You're right, Matteo must intervene immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “domino effect” translations and entries effetto domino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries domino, effetto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
