Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to open the floodgates
idiom
/tə ˈoʊpən ðə ˈflʌdˌɡeɪts/
Definition
To allow something to happen that leads to an outpouring of a large number of things, often used in a figurative sense.
Examples
- Once the government announced the new policy, it was like opening the floodgates for applications.
- After she shared her experience, it opened the floodgates for others to share their stories.
Meaning
This phrase refers to removing restrictions, which results in a sudden rush or increase of something, such as emotions, ideas, or actual water.
Synonyms
- to unleash
- to let loose
- to set free
