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

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

The appeals court on Wednesday upheld a prior ruling by a probate court that Katherine Jackson’s objections to the transaction do not hold water.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2024

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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