expression, godan verb (-ru)
break a dam; burst out
Literally, to break a dam or weir, causing water to gush out. Figuratively, used for emotions, words, or actions that suddenly pour out uncontrollably, as if a dam has burst. Often used in the form 堰を切ったように.
大雨で堰を切ってしまい、下流の村が水浸しになった。
The heavy rain broke the dam, flooding the downstream village.
彼
She burst into tears as if a dam had broken.
会議では、堰を切ったように不満の声が上がった。
At the meeting, complaints poured out as if a dam had burst.