open the floodgates (redirected from floodgate)

open the floodgates

if an action or a decision opens the floodgates, it allows something to happen a lot or allows many people to do something that was not previously allowed. If they win their case it could open the floodgates to others with similar compensation claims. (often + to)

See also: open

---

---

open the floodgates

to make it possible for something to happen. The court's decision could open the floodgates for large numbers of other cases involving war crimes.

Usage notes: usually used to describe activities that had been difficult or illegal but which are now easier or allowed and expected to be done by many

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of open the floodgates (= to allow water that had been held back to flow freely)

See also: open