![When one event is indirectly caused by another that is the knock-on effect. Dominos falling provides a good image of the knock-on effect.](https://www.artisanenglish.jp/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ArtisanEnglish.jp-knock-on-effect-e1544669280725.jpg)
Word of the Day: Knock-on effect
![When one event is indirectly caused by another that is the knock-on effect. Dominos falling provides a good image of the knock-on effect.](https://www.artisanenglish.jp/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ArtisanEnglish.jp-knock-on-effect-wait-150x150.jpg)
We’ve all experienced the negative results of the knock-on-effect which is when one event is indirectly caused by another.
One day there could be an accident on the highway which causes a traffic jam.
Due to this traffic jam, you are late to the office in the morning.
Because you were late getting in, you need to make up for lost time by working later than usual.
Since you are working later than usual, your fiancé has to wait in a coffee shop by herself.
If you try to explain to her that you are late because of the knock-on effect, she may understand, but she will still be angry.
There you have it. One thing affects another which in turn affects another and so on.
It’s like dominoes falling one by one.
There’s no way to predict what will occur and almost no way to stop it from happening.