hold water

Cultural  

1. To seem logical and consistent: “At first I was persuaded by the politician's speech, but upon reflection, I decided her arguments didn't hold water.”

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hold water Idioms  

1. Stand up to critical examination, be sound and valid, as in This argument just won't hold water, or Her reasons for quitting don't hold water. This metaphoric expression alludes to a container that can hold water without leaking. [c. 1600]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hold water

"There is little doubt that, in any case, the justification of an imminent attack on the US does not hold water," he added.

From Barron's ● Mar. 24, 2026

It reaffirms that wetlands must actually touch jurisdictional waters and consistently hold water for minimum periods every year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 19, 2025

Water services are different, because the 'switch for a better deal' advice simply doesn't, ahem, hold water.

From BBC ● Apr. 1, 2025

Two elevators were removed so the empty shafts could hold water pipes used to help keep the temperature cool enough for the heat-producing servers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2024

When you hold water in your hand, it weighs nothing, but put it in a pail and it is as heavy as a stone!

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan

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