One thing leads to another

phrase

An event or action directly or indirectly causing another event or action.

He borrowed my book, then started asking for my notes. One thing leads to another and now we spend all our time studying together.

Often appears as...

as one thing leads to another
when one thing leads to another

phrase

A smaller or initial situation paves the way for a bigger or more significant event.

We only began talking online, but one thing led to another, and we ended up dating.

Often appears as...

and then one thing led to another
just as one thing leads to another

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

A direct relationship between two incidents or situations such that the occurrence of one influences the occurrence of the other.

They started arguing about money, and one thing led to another, resulting in their split up.

Visual representation of "one thing leads to another" - A direct relationship between two incidents or situations such that the occurrence of one influences the occurrence of the other.

Often appears as...

so one thing led to another
until one thing led to another

phrase

An event or action directly or indirectly causing another event or action.

He borrowed my book, then started asking for my notes. One thing leads to another and now we spend all our time studying together.

Often appears as...

as one thing leads to another
when one thing leads to another

phrase

A smaller or initial situation paves the way for a bigger or more significant event.

We only began talking online, but one thing led to another, and we ended up dating.

Often appears as...

and then one thing led to another
just as one thing leads to another

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

A direct relationship between two incidents or situations such that the occurrence of one influences the occurrence of the other.

They started arguing about money, and one thing led to another, resulting in their split up.

Often appears as...

so one thing led to another
until one thing led to another

Definition 1 of 3

Visual representation of "one thing leads to another"

Pro Tip 1/2

Chain Reactions

Understand that this phrase often implies a series of events, not just one outcome.

He missed the bus, one thing led to another, and he lost his job.

Pro Tip 2/2

Unintended Consequences

The phrase can express how unexpected results can arise from simple actions.

I told a small lie to avoid trouble, but one thing led to another, and it spiraled out of control.

Pro Tip 1/2

Chain Reactions

Understand that this phrase often implies a series of events, not just one outcome.

He missed the bus, one thing led to another, and he lost his job.

Pro Tip 2/2

Unintended Consequences

The phrase can express how unexpected results can arise from simple actions.

I told a small lie to avoid trouble, but one thing led to another, and it spiraled out of control.

Pro Tip 1/2

Chain Reactions

Understand that this phrase often implies a series of events, not just one outcome.

He missed the bus, one thing led to another, and he lost his job.

Pro Tip 2/2

Unintended Consequences

The phrase can express how unexpected results can arise from simple actions.

I told a small lie to avoid trouble, but one thing led to another, and it spiraled out of control.

Visual representation of the word "One thing leads to another"

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