noun
- gates that can be opened or closed to control the flow of water
- something that restrains an outpouring or release
Usage: figurative
Examples
- The engineers opened the floodgates to release water from the dam.
- Heavy rains forced officials to close the floodgates to prevent flooding.
- The scandal opened the floodgates of criticism against the politician.
- Once she started talking about her problems, it opened the floodgates.
- The new policy could open the floodgates to similar lawsuits.
- The floodgates were designed to protect the city during storms.
- His resignation opened the floodgates for other executives to leave.