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
Exempel
When she heard the news of her beloved pet's passing, she could n't hold back her tears and opened the floodgates of her grief.
02
(of an action or decision) to allow for many possibilities, particularly those that were previously unavailable
Exempel
The government's decision to reduce trade barriers with neighboring countries is expected to open the floodgates to increased international commerce.
