Open the floodgates Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To do something that suddenly allows a large amount of something to happen, often used for feelings, actions, or events that were previously held back.
Usage & Nuances
'Open the floodgates' is figurative, not literal. Commonly used when discussing emotion, public opinion, or actions (e.g., 'open the floodgates to criticism'). Often implies once something begins, it becomes hard to stop. Used in both formal and informal contexts. Do not confuse with literal use in engineering or water management.
Example Sentences
Social media opened the floodgates to information sharing.
basic
If we lower the price, it might open the floodgates to complaints.
basic
Her speech opened the floodgates of emotion in the audience.
basic
Once we started giving refunds, it really opened the floodgates.
natural
Publishing that study will open the floodgates to more research in this area.
natural
Careful—making one exception could open the floodgates for everyone else.
natural