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

"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

“The argument doesn’t hold water, in my view,” says Joachim Klement, economist and strategist at Panmure Liberum, who believes the argument’s assumptions about consumer behavior are too narrow and flawed.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 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

Most of the plants in question are a variety known as succulents, named for their ability to hold water and survive in arid climates.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2024

“Your argument doesn’t hold water at all, you sophist,” Miss Adebayo said, and dismissively downed what was in her glass.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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