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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Describe a small issue that grows quickly—and distinguish a snowball effect from a simple chain of events.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode uses a snowball rolling downhill to explain the verb “snowball”: a situation grows larger or more intense quickly. A “snowball effect” occurs when one action or event causes more similar events, with the effects growing over time; a simple chain of events does not necessarily intensify.
Cultural note: The metaphor can describe positive growth, but the source notes it is often used for problems that become worse when ignored. Be specific about what is growing—cost, workload, attention, or difficulty—so the phrase does not exaggerate a small change.
Keep exploringSmall delays can sometimes compound into a larger problem. Practise explaining the first step in the chain and what you can do before it grows.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe something that expands or intensifies over time.
Meaning
Grow larger or more intense quickly, often as one change leads to more.
Tone & use
Can describe positive growth, such as attention for a project, but is often used for a problem that worsens.
Example
“A small scheduling error snowballed when it delayed the inspection and then the delivery.”
Explain how one event produces more events and larger effects.
Meaning
A process in which one event causes more similar events and the effects grow.
Tone & use
Emphasizes accumulating impact. It is more specific than a simple chain of events because the effects intensify or expand.
Example
“One helpful recommendation created a snowball effect: more volunteers joined, and the program reached more students.”
Meaning
A series of events in which one leads to another.
Tone & use
Neutral; unlike “snowball effect,” it does not necessarily imply that the events grow in size or intensity.
Example
“A canceled train started a chain of events that made the group arrive late.”
Talk about addressing an issue while it is still manageable.
Meaning
Develop into a much larger or more serious situation.
Tone & use
Often followed by the outcome, such as “snowball into a bigger problem.” It can be used for favorable growth too.
Example
“The missed appointment snowballed into a larger delay because no one updated the shared calendar.”
Meaning
Stop a problem or unwanted activity before it grows.
Tone & use
A common expression for acting early. It can sound firm, so use it carefully when discussing people or ideas.
Example
“The team fixed the confusing sign-up form early to nip the problem in the bud.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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