snowball effect

The snowball effect describes a process where small actions or changes build upon each other, growing larger and more impactful over time, like a snowball rolling downhill. Initially, a small effort or change gains momentum, making subsequent steps easier or more powerful. Over time, these cumulative effects can lead to significant results, whether positive—like improving skills—or negative—such as escalating a conflict. The core idea is that early advantages or disadvantages tend to magnify through ongoing actions, creating a cycle of growth or decline.