Germany

first (some place), then the world

1. cliché First this location will be conquered, and then in the near future we will conquer the world. "First France, then the world!" cackled the evil leader, as his army poured out of the stronghold and swept across the country. A: "First New Metro Town, then the world! Mwahahaha!" B: "We'll just see about that, Lobotomizer!" First Russia, then the world? Seriously? Don't you know how that worked out for Germany during World War II?

2. By extension, we will first find success in this location, then that success will quickly spread to the rest of the world. I have a feeling that this product could revolutionize the way the entire planet consumes media. First the United States, then the world! Once our methods catch on in some Anytown-type place, it'll be a ripple effect to neighboring areas. First Anytown, then the world! I think your invention is genius, but all you can do is start where you are. First Madrid, then the world.

See also: first, world

today (some place), tomorrow the world

1. cliché First this location will be conquered, soon to be followed by the entire world. "Today France, tomorrow the world!" cackled the evil leader, as his army poured out of the stronghold and swept across the country.

2. By extension, we will first find success in this location, then that success will quickly spread to the rest of the world. I have a feeling that this product could revolutionize the way the entire planet consumes media. Today the United States, tomorrow the world!

See also: today, tomorrow, world

when (something) sneezes, (something else) catches a cold

When a person, group, or entity has a problem or experiences a negative situation, a related person, group, or entity will consequently have a worse problem or will experience a more negative situation. When Paris sneezes, Europe catches a cold. Terrorism in France affects security throughout the continent.

See also: catch, cold

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

when the US/UK/China, etc. sneezes, Japan/Germany, etc. catches cold

or

when the US/UK/China, etc. sneezes, Japan/Germany, etc. catches a cold

mainly BRITISH

If you say that when a particular country sneezes, another catches cold, or catches a cold, you mean that what happens to the first country has a great effect or influence on the second. And when the American economy sneezes, the City of London catches cold. As they say, when America sneezes the rest of the world catches a cold.

See also: catch, cold, japan, UK

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012