floodgate
gb/flˈʌdɡˌeɪt/ us/flˈʌdɡˌeɪt/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
C1
entity
1
gate that controls water flow
a gate that lets water out or keeps it in
Usage pattern:
a floodgate at/on/in [place]
Common mistake:
Often written as two words (*flood gate*), but *floodgate* is the standard spelling for the structure.
Synonyms
sluice gate (A very close synonym, often used for gates that control water in channels and drainage systems.)
Collocations
open the floodgates
|close the floodgates
|raise the floodgates
|lower the floodgates
|floodgate controls
|floodgate operator
|floodgate mechanism
|floodgate failure
|repair the floodgates
|behind the floodgates
Themes
engineering
|infrastructure
|environment
|water
Examples
- Engineers opened the floodgates to relieve pressure on the dam after the heavy rain.
- A broken floodgate left the canal level too low for boats to pass.
- The city upgraded the floodgates to reduce the risk of flooding during storms.
Learner examples
- They opened the floodgates to let water out.
- The floodgate controls the river.
Noun
C1
abstract
2
barrier whose removal triggers a surge
something that, once removed, causes a lot to happen
Usage pattern:
a floodgate for/to [something]
Common mistake:
In this figurative sense, it is very often used in the plural (*the floodgates*) even when talking about one change or event.
Synonyms
dam (Similar metaphor (a barrier holding something back), but *floodgate* emphasizes a sudden release when opened.)
|
barrier (More general; does not necessarily suggest a sudden surge once removed.)
Antonyms
safeguard (Something intended to prevent problems or limit harm, rather than allowing a surge.)
Collocations
a floodgate of complaints
|a floodgate of applications
|a floodgate of memories
|a floodgate of criticism
|a floodgate of requests
|open a floodgate
|release the floodgates
|hold back the floodgates
|trigger the floodgates
|unleash the floodgates
Themes
business
|communication
|society
|emotions
Examples
- One positive review seemed to act as a floodgate, and soon thousands of orders arrived.
- The policy change removed a floodgate that had been holding back new competitors.
- When he started talking about his childhood, a floodgate of memories came rushing back.
Learner examples
- The news opened a floodgate of questions.
Grammar
Dictionary form
floodgate
IPA
GB/flˈʌdɡˌeɪt/
US/flˈʌdɡˌeɪt/
Syllables & stress
floodgate (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (floodgate)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: floodgate
- Plural: floodgates
Word family
Forms
floodgates
noun
Core family
flood
noun A2
flooding
noun
Related words
flooded
adjective
floodwater
noun
Advanced or less common
floodplain
noun B2
Expressions
open the floodgates (to/for)
1/ˈoʊpən ðə flˈʌdɡˌeɪts tˈoʊfɚ/
idiom
allow a sudden large increase
to cause a lot of something to start happening
Examples
- The court ruling opened the floodgates to new lawsuits.
- Adding the feature opened the floodgates for customer complaints.
- A single public apology can open the floodgates to more demands.
the floodgates are open
1/ðə flˈʌdɡˌeɪts ˈɑɹ ˈoʊpən/
fixed phrase
a surge has started
now a lot is happening at once
Examples
- Now that the discount code leaked, the floodgates are open and our inbox is full.
- Once the story went viral, the floodgates were open to copycat posts.
- After the first complaint, the floodgates seemed to open and more followed.