the floodgates

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrasefigurative

   A situation where a small event allows many similar things to happen suddenly and uncontrollably.

   Grammar: Used with the definite article 'the' and often in the phrase 'open the floodgates'.

   Patterns

   • open the floodgates
   • open the floodgates to something
   • open the floodgates for something

   The new law opened the floodgates to thousands of complaints.

   Once the first company offered remote work, it opened the floodgates for others to do the same.

   The court's decision could open the floodgates to similar lawsuits.

2. 2phraseplural

   The gates that control the flow of water in a dam or river.

   Grammar: Used literally for physical gates, often with 'open' or 'close'.

   Patterns

   • open the floodgates
   • close the floodgates

   The engineers opened the floodgates to release pressure from the dam.

   When the floodgates were closed, the water level in the river dropped.

Common combinations

open the floodgates

The policy change opened the floodgates for new applications.

open the floodgates to

The ruling opened the floodgates to a wave of legal claims.

open the floodgates for

The discovery opened the floodgates for further research.

Synonyms and how they differ

unleash a torrent

A more literary phrase meaning to release a large amount of something suddenly.

set off a chain reaction

Focuses on a series of events, while 'floodgates' emphasizes a sudden uncontrolled flow.

Word family

floodgate noun

A single gate used to control water flow.

flood noun

A large amount of water covering dry land.

Practice

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