sluice-gate

A worker opens the sluice-gate to control the water flow.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A water control device: A "sluice-gate" is a gate or valve used to regulate the flow of water in a channel, dam, or lock. It can be opened or closed to control the volume or direction of water.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The engineer opened the sluice-gate to release excess water from the reservoir. (The gate was used to control water flow.)
  • Farmers rely on the sluice-gate to irrigate their fields during dry seasons. (The gate regulates water for agriculture.)

Advanced Usage

• "to open the sluice-gate": to allow a large flow of something, often used metaphorically.

  • The new policy opened the sluice-gate for foreign investment. (The policy allowed a sudden, large influx of investment.)

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

  • They closed the sluice-gate to prevent flooding downstream. (The gate was shut to block water.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sluice (n): a channel or passage for water, often equipped with a gate.

  • The sluice directed water to the mill wheel. (The channel carried water.)

• Gate (n): a movable barrier used to control passage.

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

Synonyms

• Floodgate: a gate for controlling water flow, especially in a dam.
• Valve: a device for controlling the flow of a fluid.
• Water gate: a gate for regulating water.

Related Idioms

• Open the floodgates: to allow a sudden, large release or influx of something.
  • The court's decision opened the floodgates for similar lawsuits. (The ruling enabled many cases to proceed.)