open the floodgates
Let everything through
To open the floodgates is to remove a barrier that has been holding something back, allowing a sudden rush or torrent.
The literal image is of gates on a dam being opened to release water.
In common use, it's nearly always figurative: a court ruling might open the floodgates to lawsuits, or one confession might open the floodgates of tears.
The phrase typically carries a note of warning—once the floodgates open, what pours through may be difficult to control.
- let ripExpress without restraint
- unleashTo release from restraint
- open doorsUnblocked entrances
- open wideRequest for mouth access
- unblockRemove an obstacle
let it rip · free flow · domino effect · chain reaction · pent-up · burst forth · deluge · torrent · catharsis · cascade · deregulation · tsunami · trigger · set in motion · landslide · let loose · commence · initiate
open the floodgatesstem the tide
Curb a growing force
hold back · dam up · contain · bottle up · shut the door on
open the floodgatesregulate
Control by rules
dole out · drip-feed · ration · parcel out · phase in
open the floodgatesnip in the bud
Stop at the start
put a stop to · shut down · block · prevent · halt
opens, opened, opening, opener, openers, openness, openly, reopen, reopens