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

"They do an amazing job for nature, they eat grubs in the soil, they turn over the soil, they help soils drain and hold water".

From BBC ● Mar. 22, 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

The Water Trees, which the company plans to produce in the U.S., will hold water in a 4.8-millimeter-thick plastic membrane designed to resist fire and last for more than 20 years.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 9, 2025

Jasmin plays with her six dolls, giving them baths in an outdoor concrete trough the family uses to hold water.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario

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