plural floodgates
: a gate for controlling the flow of water from a lake, river, reservoir, etc.
—often used figuratively
Many people fear that the court's latest ruling will open the floodgates for/to a host of new lawsuits. [=will cause/allow a large number of new lawsuits]
Once the floodgates have opened, there will be no way to stop all the lawsuits.
Cite this Entry
“Floodgate.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/floodgate. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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