to open the floodgates
01
to cause strong and overwhelming emotional reactions, often leading to a burst of tears, feelings, or memories
![to [open] the floodgates definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/42694/original/?type=jpeg "to [open] the floodgates definition and meaning")
Idiom
Informal
예시들
The heartfelt eulogy at the funeral opened the floodgates of emotion, leaving not a dry eye in the room.
02
(of an action or decision) to allow for many possibilities, particularly those that were previously unavailable
예시들
The release of the affordable smartphone opened the floodgates to a broader market of consumers who could now afford the technology.
