open the floodgates

To allow for an expanding number of (typically negative) consequences as the result of another related action. Many are worried that the controversial legislation will open the floodgates for other laws that curb free speech.

See also: open

open the floodgates

COMMON If an event, action, or decision opens the floodgates, it makes it possible or likely that a particular thing will be done by many people or happen a lot of times. Giving in to the strikers' demands would open the floodgates to demands by workers in other state-owned industries. The floodgates were opened yesterday for cheaper new cars for thousands of motorists. Note: You can also say that the floodgates open. If a company talks about introducing a wireless Lan, they have to be aware that the floodgates will open.

See also: open

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

open the floodgates

remove the last restraint holding back an outpouring of something powerful or substantial.

2001 Business Week Magazine HMOs and employer groups counter that challenges to the state laws have slowed litigation, but the Senate bill would open the floodgates to new suits.

See also: open

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

open the ˈfloodgates (to something)

1 remove the restrictions or controls which for a long time have prevented a lot of people from doing something they want to do: If the case is successful, it may open the floodgates to more damages claims against the industry.
2 do something which allows somebody to express feelings which have been kept under control for a long time: The discussion sessions allow people to open the floodgates to their deepest fears.

See also: open

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

READ:Duterte asks for MILF's patience on BBL passage Duterte said a conflict would open the floodgates of the south to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, an extremist group that seeks to establish a worldwide caliphate.

Duterte asks MNLF, MILF not to wage war if BBL fails to hurdle Congress

President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA) as terrorist organizations will only 'open the floodgates for a slew of trumped-up charges' against left-leaning groups and other critics of the government, a militant solon said on Tuesday.

Solons fear trumped-up charges vs leftists with CPP, NPA tagged as terrorists

The move has been hailed a "landmark" decision by the NCA, which say it could "open the floodgates" to reclaim money and assets hidden overseas.

Criminals to forfeit cash

I predict Mr Huzar's tenacity will open the floodgates for other claims, and rightly so.

High-flying man

If the Appeal Court rules in his favour it will open the floodgates.

Airlines face PS3bn bill for flight delays

And the danger is it will open the floodgates for counterfeit cigarettes which have totally uncontrolled content and can be even more dangerous to health.

Plain cigarette packets SO the [...]; FEEDBACK

A COUNCILLOR has raised fears that the approval of a 22-metre high wind turbine could open the floodgates for many more in Birmingham.

Fears turbine will open way for more

| SIR - Re your article (WM, Aug 1) headed "Families vow to fight on over right-to-die": we must not open the floodgates to "assisted suicide".

Respect life; COMMENT DEBATE & YOUR LETTERS TO THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF WALES

The "sunset clause" provision would allow changes if they open the floodgates to women wanting to end their pregnancies.

ABORTION LAW 'GET-OUT' PLEA; FG backbencher calls for sunset clause

and showed sulking Carlos Tevez just how it's done.The Italian scored his fourth goal in as many games with a stunning overhead kick in the 28th minute to open the floodgates for a City goal-fest against Aston Villa.

TOPTELLI!

This present government wants to spend pounds 3 billion of our money to implement unwanted reforms which will open the floodgates to privatisation of the NHS.

A quality health service for all; Letters letters@coventrytelegraph.net

GOLF: Sir Nick Faldo believes Graeme McDowell's US Open triumph can open the floodgates for more Europeans - as happened 30 years ago when Seve Ballesteros broke through in America.

Eur a winner; SPORT In Brief

"If we lose it will open the floodgates to developers poaching the large back gardens of homes in Guisborough Road.

Fight for Red Cottage

Padraig Harrington's victory at The Open was great for European golf and could open the floodgates.

Golf: LONG-TERM BET..

President Jagdeo said that the passing of the proposed legislation will in no way open the floodgates for widespread gambling, since only visitors to Guyana will be allowed to use the casinos.

Possible casino gambling