The story
Literally, to allow floodwater that had been held back to flow freely.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
open the floodgates
Today it means: To allow some action to proceed more swiftly or to a greater extent. Full definition →
Today it means: To allow some action to proceed more swiftly or to a greater extent. Full definition →
Literally, to allow floodwater that had been held back to flow freely.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.