floodgate
/ˈflʌdˌɡeɪt/
noun
- A gate that controls the flow of water, especially in a dam or canal, used to prevent flooding or to release water.
- A broken floodgate caused the canal to overflow into the nearby fields.
- During the storm, the floodgate held back the rising river to protect the town.
- The engineers opened the floodgate to release excess water from the reservoir.
- Something that releases or allows a sudden, large flow of something (such as emotions, information, or activity).
- The movie's sad ending opened the floodgates of tears for the audience.
- The new law opened the floodgates for thousands of new business applications.
- Her apology opened the floodgates of criticism from the public.
Synonyms