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UKopen the floodgates
/ˈəʊpən ðə flˈʌdɡeɪts/
/ˈoʊpən ðə flˈʌdɡeɪts/to open the floodgates
[PHRASE]1
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/ "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 depict the release of long-restrained emotions, such as when someone finally expresses their long-suppressed feelings, leading to an outpouring of emotions.
2
(of an action or decision) to allow for many possibilities, particularly those that were previously unavailable