floodgate

[fluhd-geyt]

noun

1. Civil Engineering.,  a gate designed to regulate the flow of water.

2. anything serving to control the indiscriminate flow or passage of something.

floodgate

/ ˈflʌdˌɡeɪt /

noun

1. Also called: head gate.  water gate. a gate in a sluice that is used to control the flow of water See also sluicegate

2. (often plural) a control or barrier against an outpouring or flow

   to open the floodgates to immigration

Word History and Origins

Origin of floodgate¹

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; flood, gate ¹

Example Sentences

After that, the floodgates opened, and critics, celebrities, filmmakers, tastemakers, brand sponsors and the general public all flocked to Park City to celebrate the new wave of independent cinema.

From Salon

The problem, she said, is that they’re difficult for states to police for validity and “can really open the floodgates to vastly diminished vaccination rates.”

From Los Angeles Times

"He's just a phenomenal player, everyone knows how good he is, and I'm glad he's got that first century out of the way and hopefully now the floodgates open," said England's white-ball captain.

From BBC

Tommy Fleetwood's first coach believes the "floodgates can open" after the Englishman landed his first American tournament victory at the Tour Championship in Atlanta.

From BBC

"The anticipated floodgate of claims has commenced, and Fifa's finances could take a huge hit at a time they are flying high after the expanded Club World Cup this year and World Cup in 2026."

From BBC