flood-gate

The engineer opens the flood-gate to control the water level.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A gate for controlling the flow of water: A "flood-gate" is a barrier or valve used to regulate the passage of water, especially in a canal, river, or dam, designed to be opened or closed to prevent flooding or manage water levels.
   • A barrier or control point: Figuratively, "flood-gate" refers to something that controls or restricts the release of a large amount of something, such as emotions, information, or activity.

Usage Examples

• Literal:

  • The engineers opened the flood-gate to release excess water from the reservoir. (A physical gate was opened to control water flow.)
  • A broken flood-gate caused the river to overflow into the surrounding farmland. (A damaged water-control gate led to flooding.)

• Figurative:

  • The court’s decision opened the flood-gate for similar lawsuits. (The ruling allowed many similar cases to be filed.)
  • Her apology opened the flood-gate of tears she had been holding back. (The apology triggered a release of emotions.)

Advanced Usage

• "to open the flood-gates": to allow a large amount of something to be released or to begin suddenly.

  • The new policy opened the flood-gates for foreign investment. (The policy allowed a massive inflow of investments.)

• "to close the flood-gate": to stop or restrict a flow or release.

  • The government closed the flood-gate on illegal immigration by tightening border controls. (The government stopped the influx of illegal immigrants.)

Variants and Related Words

• Floodgate (n): a single-word variant of "flood-gate," with the same meaning.

  • The floodgate was repaired after the storm. (The gate controlling water was fixed.)

• Flood (n/v): an overflow of water; to cover with water.

  • The heavy rain caused a flood in the valley. (An overflow of water.)

• Gate (n): a movable barrier.

  • The gate to the garden was left open. (A barrier for entry.)

Synonyms

• Sluice gate: a gate for controlling water flow, often in a canal or mill.
• Dam: a barrier to hold back water, though a dam is a larger structure, not just a gate.
• Control valve: a device that regulates flow (more technical, for liquids or gases).

Related Idioms

• Open the floodgates: to allow a sudden and large release of something (emotions, actions, etc.).

  • The movie’s sad ending opened the floodgates of grief for the audience. (The ending caused many people to cry.)

• Hold the floodgates: to prevent a release or outburst.

  • She tried to hold the floodgates of anger, but eventually exploded. (She attempted to control her anger.)