open the floodgates

To allow for an expanding number of (typically negative) consequences as the result of another related action. Many are worried that the controversial legislation will open the floodgates for other laws that curb free speech.

See also: open

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

open the floodgates

COMMON If an event, action, or decision opens the floodgates, it makes it possible or likely that a particular thing will be done by many people or happen a lot of times. Giving in to the strikers' demands would open the floodgates to demands by workers in other state-owned industries. The floodgates were opened yesterday for cheaper new cars for thousands of motorists. Note: You can also say that the floodgates open. If a company talks about introducing a wireless Lan, they have to be aware that the floodgates will open.

See also: open

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

open the floodgates

remove the last restraint holding back an outpouring of something powerful or substantial.

2001 Business Week Magazine HMOs and employer groups counter that challenges to the state laws have slowed litigation, but the Senate bill would open the floodgates to new suits.

See also: open

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

open the ˈfloodgates (to something)

1 remove the restrictions or controls which for a long time have prevented a lot of people from doing something they want to do: If the case is successful, it may open the floodgates to more damages claims against the industry.
2 do something which allows somebody to express feelings which have been kept under control for a long time: The discussion sessions allow people to open the floodgates to their deepest fears.

See also: open

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

See also:

get away with murder
woe to
woe to (one)
the whole picture
Morton's fork
cost (someone) dearly
dearly
funeral
it's someone's funeral
be (someone's) funeral

References in periodicals archive

READ:Duterte asks for MILF's patience on BBL passage Duterte said a conflict would open the floodgates of the south to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, an extremist group that seeks to establish a worldwide caliphate.

Duterte asks MNLF, MILF not to wage war if BBL fails to hurdle Congress

President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA) as terrorist organizations will only 'open the floodgates for a slew of trumped-up charges' against left-leaning groups and other critics of the government, a militant solon said on Tuesday.

Solons fear trumped-up charges vs leftists with CPP, NPA tagged as terrorists

The move has been hailed a "landmark" decision by the NCA, which say it could "open the floodgates" to reclaim money and assets hidden overseas.

Criminals to forfeit cash

I predict Mr Huzar's tenacity will open the floodgates for other claims, and rightly so.

High-flying man

If the Appeal Court rules in his favour it will open the floodgates.

Airlines face PS3bn bill for flight delays

And the danger is it will open the floodgates for counterfeit cigarettes which have totally uncontrolled content and can be even more dangerous to health.

Plain cigarette packets SO the [...]; FEEDBACK

A COUNCILLOR has raised fears that the approval of a 22-metre high wind turbine could open the floodgates for many more in Birmingham.

Fears turbine will open way for more

| SIR - Re your article (WM, Aug 1) headed "Families vow to fight on over right-to-die": we must not open the floodgates to "assisted suicide".

Respect life; COMMENT DEBATE & YOUR LETTERS TO THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF WALES

The "sunset clause" provision would allow changes if they open the floodgates to women wanting to end their pregnancies.

ABORTION LAW 'GET-OUT' PLEA; FG backbencher calls for sunset clause

and showed sulking Carlos Tevez just how it's done.The Italian scored his fourth goal in as many games with a stunning overhead kick in the 28th minute to open the floodgates for a City goal-fest against Aston Villa.

TOPTELLI!

This present government wants to spend pounds 3 billion of our money to implement unwanted reforms which will open the floodgates to privatisation of the NHS.

A quality health service for all; Letters letters@coventrytelegraph.net

GOLF: Sir Nick Faldo believes Graeme McDowell's US Open triumph can open the floodgates for more Europeans - as happened 30 years ago when Seve Ballesteros broke through in America.

Eur a winner; SPORT In Brief

"If we lose it will open the floodgates to developers poaching the large back gardens of homes in Guisborough Road.

Fight for Red Cottage

Padraig Harrington's victory at The Open was great for European golf and could open the floodgates.

Golf: LONG-TERM BET..

President Jagdeo said that the passing of the proposed legislation will in no way open the floodgates for widespread gambling, since only visitors to Guyana will be allowed to use the casinos.

Possible casino gambling

词组	open the floodgates
释义	open the floodgates open the floodgates To allow for an expanding number of (typically negative) consequences as the result of another related action. Many are worried that the controversial legislation will open the floodgates for other laws that curb free speech. See also: open Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. open the floodgates COMMON If an event, action, or decision opens the floodgates, it makes it possible or likely that a particular thing will be done by many people or happen a lot of times. Giving in to the strikers' demands would open the floodgates to demands by workers in other state-owned industries. The floodgates were opened yesterday for cheaper new cars for thousands of motorists. Note: You can also say that the floodgates open. If a company talks about introducing a wireless Lan, they have to be aware that the floodgates will open. See also: open Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. open the floodgates remove the last restraint holding back an outpouring of something powerful or substantial. 2001 Business Week Magazine HMOs and employer groups counter that challenges to the state laws have slowed litigation, but the Senate bill would open the floodgates to new suits. See also: open Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary open the ˈfloodgates (to something) 1 remove the restrictions or controls which for a long time have prevented a lot of people from doing something they want to do: If the case is successful, it may open the floodgates to more damages claims against the industry. 2 do something which allows somebody to express feelings which have been kept under control for a long time: The discussion sessions allow people to open the floodgates to their deepest fears. See also: open Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary See also: get away with murder woe to woe to (one) the whole picture Morton's fork cost (someone) dearly dearly funeral it's someone's funeral be (someone's) funeral References in periodicals archive READ:Duterte asks for MILF's patience on BBL passage Duterte said a conflict would open the floodgates of the south to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, an extremist group that seeks to establish a worldwide caliphate. Duterte asks MNLF, MILF not to wage war if BBL fails to hurdle Congress President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA) as terrorist organizations will only 'open the floodgates for a slew of trumped-up charges' against left-leaning groups and other critics of the government, a militant solon said on Tuesday. Solons fear trumped-up charges vs leftists with CPP, NPA tagged as terrorists The move has been hailed a "landmark" decision by the NCA, which say it could "open the floodgates" to reclaim money and assets hidden overseas. Criminals to forfeit cash I predict Mr Huzar's tenacity will open the floodgates for other claims, and rightly so. High-flying man If the Appeal Court rules in his favour it will open the floodgates. Airlines face PS3bn bill for flight delays And the danger is it will open the floodgates for counterfeit cigarettes which have totally uncontrolled content and can be even more dangerous to health. Plain cigarette packets SO the [...]; FEEDBACK A COUNCILLOR has raised fears that the approval of a 22-metre high wind turbine could open the floodgates for many more in Birmingham. Fears turbine will open way for more \| SIR - Re your article (WM, Aug 1) headed "Families vow to fight on over right-to-die": we must not open the floodgates to "assisted suicide". Respect life; COMMENT DEBATE & YOUR LETTERS TO THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF WALES The "sunset clause" provision would allow changes if they open the floodgates to women wanting to end their pregnancies. ABORTION LAW 'GET-OUT' PLEA; FG backbencher calls for sunset clause and showed sulking Carlos Tevez just how it's done.The Italian scored his fourth goal in as many games with a stunning overhead kick in the 28th minute to open the floodgates for a City goal-fest against Aston Villa. TOPTELLI! This present government wants to spend pounds 3 billion of our money to implement unwanted reforms which will open the floodgates to privatisation of the NHS. A quality health service for all; Letters letters@coventrytelegraph.net GOLF: Sir Nick Faldo believes Graeme McDowell's US Open triumph can open the floodgates for more Europeans - as happened 30 years ago when Seve Ballesteros broke through in America. Eur a winner; SPORT In Brief "If we lose it will open the floodgates to developers poaching the large back gardens of homes in Guisborough Road. Fight for Red Cottage Padraig Harrington's victory at The Open was great for European golf and could open the floodgates. Golf: LONG-TERM BET.. President Jagdeo said that the passing of the proposed legislation will in no way open the floodgates for widespread gambling, since only visitors to Guyana will be allowed to use the casinos. Possible casino gambling
随便看	be cleaned out be climbing the walls be close/dear/near to somebody's heart be close to home be close to/near the mark be close to (one's) heart be close to the bone be close to the mark be clued in be cocksure of (oneself) be coining it be cold comfort become become a fan of (someone or something) be/come a poor second, third, etc. become a shadow of (someone's or something's) former self become a thorn in (one's) flesh become a thorn in (one's) side be/come down on somebody like a ton of bricks be, come, etc. within a whisker of something/of doing something become fond of (someone or something) become friends with (someone) be, come, get, etc. in on the ground floor become grounds for (something) become hip to (someone or something)