hold water

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.”

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

UT claims it could simply refund Fisher the $100 and make the case moot—a position some legal experts believe could hold water.

From The Daily Beast

They have requisitioned every utensil that will hold water in the village.

From Project Gutenberg

The longer he played it around, the more he began to wonder whether his notion mightn't hold water after all.

From Project Gutenberg

Other birds, said Solomon, omitted to line their nests with mud, and as a result they did not hold water.

From Project Gutenberg

You've got a good little seller, all right, but that guaranty don't hold water any more than the petticoat contains silk.

From Project Gutenberg

This, however, will not do on a heavy clay subsoil, for it would form a basin to hold water and injure the tree.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• stick