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

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

If 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. If Paris sneezes, Europe catches a cold. Terrorism in France affects security throughout the continent.

See also: catch, cold, if