dam up

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Explanation of "Dam Up"

Definition: The phrase "dam up" means to block or obstruct the flow of something, usually water. When you "dam up" a river, you are creating a barrier (like a dam) that stops or slows down the water from flowing freely.

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Forms: "dam up" (present), "damming up" (present continuous), "dammed up" (past)

Examples:

1. Basic Example:

   • "They decided to dam up the river to create a small lake for fishing."

2. Advanced Example:

   • "The engineers worked hard to dam up the gorges of the Yangtze River to prevent flooding during the rainy season."

Different Meanings:

• While "dam up" primarily refers to blocking water, it can also be used metaphorically to mean preventing something from happening or expressing feelings.
  • Example: "She tried to dam up her tears during the sad movie."

Word Variants:

• Noun Form: Dam (the structure that blocks water)
• Adjective Form: Dam-like (resembling a dam)

Synonyms:

• Block
• Obstruct
• Stop
• Hinder

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren't direct idioms using "dam up," but you might use related phrases like "hold back" or "keep under control" in similar contexts.

Usage in Different Contexts:

• Environmental Context: "Damming up rivers can create reservoirs for water supply."
• Emotional Context: "He felt as if he was damming up his emotions, unable to express how he truly felt."

Conclusion:

"Dam up" is a versatile phrase that can describe both physical actions and emotional states.

Academic

Verb

1. obstruct with, or as if with, a dam
   • dam the gorges of the Yangtse River

Synonyms

• dam