floodgate
gb/flˈʌdɡˌeɪt/ us/flˈʌdɡˌeɪt/
C1
英語
語義
0件の語義
名詞
C1
entity
1
gate that controls water flow
a gate that lets water out or keeps it in
用法パターン：
a floodgate at/on/in [place]
よくある間違い：
Often written as two words (*flood gate*), but *floodgate* is the standard spelling for the structure.
類義語
sluice gate (A very close synonym, often used for gates that control water in channels and drainage systems.)
コロケーション
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
テーマ
engineering
|infrastructure
|environment
|water
例文
- 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.
学習者向け例文
- They opened the floodgates to let water out.
- The floodgate controls the river.
名詞
C1
abstract
2
barrier whose removal triggers a surge
something that, once removed, causes a lot to happen
用法パターン：
a floodgate for/to [something]
よくある間違い：
In this figurative sense, it is very often used in the plural (*the floodgates*) even when talking about one change or event.
類義語
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.)
対義語
safeguard (Something intended to prevent problems or limit harm, rather than allowing a surge.)
コロケーション
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
テーマ
business
|communication
|society
|emotions
例文
- 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.
学習者向け例文
- The news opened a floodgate of questions.
文法
辞書形
floodgate
IPA
GB/flˈʌdɡˌeɪt/
US/flˈʌdɡˌeɪt/
音節・強勢
floodgate （1音節）
Stress on 1st syllable (floodgate)
活用形
Noun
- Base: floodgate
- Plural: floodgates
関連語
Forms
floodgates
noun
Core family
flood
noun A2
flooding
noun
Related words
flooded
adjective
floodwater
noun
Advanced or less common
floodplain
noun B2
表現
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
例文
- 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
例文
- 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.