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

A landslide would dam Spirit Lake and hold water in, not create a surge out.

From Literature

Their simulations suggest that, because bridgmanite held water so efficiently under extreme heat, the lower mantle became the largest water reservoir within the solid Earth after the magma ocean cooled.

From Science Daily

And in July a landmark review of the "failing" water sector in England and Wales recommended stronger regulation to hold water companies to account.

From BBC

When a water-absorbing material, or "sorbent," sits on top of the device, it sends out ultrasound waves tuned to break the bonds holding water molecules in place.

From Science Daily

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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