OPENING FLOODGATES Meaning and
Definition
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Opening floodgates is an idiomatic expression that refers to the action of initiating or allowing a rapid, unrestricted influx or release of something, such as ideas, information, opinions, emotions, or even a large number of people or things. The term is derived from the literal meaning of floodgates, which are mechanical devices used to control the flow of water in a dam or canal.
In a figurative sense, opening floodgates implies unleashing a deluge or overwhelming amount of something. It often signifies the lifting of barriers, restrictions, or censorship, allowing a sudden surge in the passage or expression of ideas or information. When the floodgates are opened, there is an unstoppable outpouring that may have been previously suppressed or held back.
The phrase suggests that once the initial barrier is breached, it becomes challenging to control or contain the ensuing flood. It emphasizes the torrential nature and potentially overwhelming impact of the unleashed force. Opening floodgates can result in transformative changes, as it can expose a society to a wide range of diverse perspectives, or encourage the release of emotions and thoughts that were previously restrained or silenced.
While the phrase is commonly used metaphorically, it can also have literal implications when discussing water flow dynamics, dam management, or engineering mechanisms aimed at facilitating or controlling water movement. Overall, opening floodgates signifies a powerful release or influx that can have profound and far-reaching effects.
Common Misspellings for OPENING FLOODGATES
- ipening floodgates
- kpening floodgates
- lpening floodgates
- ppening floodgates
- 0pening floodgates
- 9pening floodgates
- ooening floodgates
- olening floodgates
- o-ening floodgates
- o0ening floodgates
- opwning floodgates
- opsning floodgates
- opdning floodgates
- oprning floodgates
- op4ning floodgates
- op3ning floodgates
- opebing floodgates
- opeming floodgates
- opejing floodgates
- opehing floodgates
Etymology of OPENING FLOODGATES
The phrase "opening floodgates" is derived from the literal action of opening the floodgates of a dam or canal, which allows water to flow freely, often causing a sudden and overwhelming surge. It is used metaphorically to describe a situation where an action or decision leads to an uncontrollable or overwhelming influx of something, such as emotions, ideas, or events. The metaphorical usage of the term can be traced back to at least the 19th century.
