Definition & Meaning of "Open the floodgates"

open the floodgates

/ˈəʊpən ðə flˈʌdɡeɪts/

/ˈoʊpən ðə flˈʌdɡeɪts/

to open the floodgates

PHRASE

to cause strong and overwhelming emotional reactions, often leading to a burst of tears, feelings, or memories

to [open] the floodgates definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "open the floodgates" and when to use it?

The idiom "open the floodgates" originated from the literal act of opening the gates of a dam or reservoir to release a large volume of water rapidly. It can be used to show the release of long-restrained emotions, such as when someone finally expresses their long-suppressed feelings, leading to an outpouring of emotions.

(of an action or decision) to allow for many possibilities, particularly those that were previously unavailable

What is the origin of the idiom "open the floodgates" and when to use it?

The idiom "open the floodgates" originated from the literal act of opening the gates of a dam or reservoir to release a large volume of water rapidly. In its figurative sense, it is used to imply that an action or decision allows for many possibilities, particularly those that were previously unavailable, much like a sudden, uncontrolled flow of water.