Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
open-the-floodgates
idiom
/ˈoʊ.pən ðə ˈflʌdˌɡeɪts/
Definition
To allow a situation to develop or to permit a large number of people or things to enter or occur.
Examples
- When the new law was passed, it seemed to open the floodgates for numerous business opportunities.
- Once she started sharing her feelings, she opened the floodgates and couldn’t stop talking about her worries.
Meaning
This phrase is often used metaphorically to indicate the beginning of a process that results in a large influx or release of something, usually emotions, information, or people.
Synonyms
- unleash
- release
- let loose
- initiate a cascade
