One small mistake opened the floodgates for more problems.
open the floodgates
idiomTo allow some action to proceed more swiftly or to a greater extent.
Origin
disputed originLiterally, to allow floodwater that had been held back to flow freely.
The government released the new report, which opened the floodgates for public criticism and many difficult questions.
The sudden discovery of the hidden documents opened the floodgates, leading to a series of investigations that eventually exposed the entire scandal.
- 01
keep a weather eye open
to maintain a background awareness of something; to remain alert to changes without it occupying one's full attention.
- 02
keep an eye open
To remain vigilant for someone or something.
- 03
keep one's ears open
to listen for important information.
- 04
keep one's options open
To not commit to a decision, to keep various options available.
- 05
kick at an open door
To carry out a redundant activity.
- 06
leave the door open
To maintain the possibility of something happening in the future.
- 07
open a can of whoop ass
A good-humored threat of physical harm.
- 08
open book
Something whose salient aspects are obvious or easily interpreted.
Last updated April 17, 2026