Phrase guide

knock-on effect

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A secondary, often unintended effect; a repercussion, chain reaction.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK

Examples

  • If a coach arrives late, it has a knock-on effect on the entire coach station.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

a secondary or incidental effect

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: consequence, effect, outcome, result, event, issue, upshot

History

Etymology

knock-on + effect

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: dominový efekt — secondary, indirect effect
  • Finnish: heijastusvaikutus — secondary, indirect effect
  • Italian: effetto domino — secondary, indirect effect
  • Italian: effetto a catena — secondary, indirect effect
  • Spanish: efecto secundario — secondary, indirect effect
  • Spanish: efecto llamada — secondary, indirect effect