PHRASE 打开闸门;使…一发不可收拾 If events open the floodgates to something, they make it possible for that thing to happen much more often or much more seriously than before. 打开闸门;使…一发不可收拾
A decision against the cigarette companies could open the floodgates to many more lawsuits. [+ to/for]
不利于烟草公司的裁决可能引发更多的官司。
Would it not set a precedent? Would it not open the floodgates?