Floodgate
noun
A large gate or valve that controls the flow of water in a flood or drainage system.
The engineer opened the floodgate to allow the excess water to drain away.
Often appears as...
- control floodwaters
- open the floodgate
Usage tips
Neutral
water control, drainage system, hydraulic engineering
noun
A metaphor for a situation where something is suddenly allowed or unleashed, often leading to rapid and uncontrolled consequences.
Once the decision was made, it opened the floodgate to numerous applications from applicants.
Often appears as...
- open the floodgate
- floodgate of ideas
Usage tips
Neutral
application process, unleashed ideas, sudden change
noun
A large gate or valve that controls the flow of water in a flood or drainage system.
The engineer opened the floodgate to allow the excess water to drain away.
Often appears as...
- control floodwaters
- open the floodgate
Usage tips
Neutral
water control, drainage system, hydraulic engineering
noun
A metaphor for a situation where something is suddenly allowed or unleashed, often leading to rapid and uncontrolled consequences.
Once the decision was made, it opened the floodgate to numerous applications from applicants.
Often appears as...
- open the floodgate
- floodgate of ideas
Usage tips
Neutral
application process, unleashed ideas, sudden change
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
In conversations, 'floodgate' can symbolize an overwhelming release of emotions or ideas.
After years of silence, she finally opened the floodgate and shared her story.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Context
The term can be effectively used in poetry or narratives to evoke strong imagery.
The poet described her feelings as floodgates bursting open, flooding the landscape of her heart.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Release
Using 'floodgate' in discussions about mental health can indicate a necessary emotional breakdown.
Sometimes, it’s healthy to let the floodgate down and face your feelings.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
In conversations, 'floodgate' can symbolize an overwhelming release of emotions or ideas.
After years of silence, she finally opened the floodgate and shared her story.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Context
The term can be effectively used in poetry or narratives to evoke strong imagery.
The poet described her feelings as floodgates bursting open, flooding the landscape of her heart.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Release
Using 'floodgate' in discussions about mental health can indicate a necessary emotional breakdown.
Sometimes, it’s healthy to let the floodgate down and face your feelings.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
In conversations, 'floodgate' can symbolize an overwhelming release of emotions or ideas.
After years of silence, she finally opened the floodgate and shared her story.
Pro Tip 2/3Literary Context
The term can be effectively used in poetry or narratives to evoke strong imagery.
The poet described her feelings as floodgates bursting open, flooding the landscape of her heart.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Release
Using 'floodgate' in discussions about mental health can indicate a necessary emotional breakdown.
Sometimes, it’s healthy to let the floodgate down and face your feelings.
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