hold (one's) water

hold (one's) water

1. To refrain from urinating. Can you please try to hold your water a bit longer? There is a rest stop not too far from here. We just transitioned our daughter out of diapers, and she's having a very hard time holding her water so far.
2. To be calm or patient; to stop making pressing demands, requests, or solicitations. Janet needs to hold her water and just let the committee do its job. You kids hold your water back there or I swear I'll turn this car right around!
See also: hold, water
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hold water

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]
See also: hold, water
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

hold water

(of a statement, theory, or line of reasoning) appear to be valid, sound, or reasonable.
See also: hold, water
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

hold ˈwater

(informal) (of a theory, etc.) remain true even when examined closely: Your argument just doesn’t hold water.
If a container holds water, no water escapes.
See also: hold, water
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

hold water

tv. [for an idea, plan, etc.] to survive evaluation or scrutiny. Nothing you’ve said so far holds water.
See also: hold, water
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

hold water

To stand up to critical examination: Your explanation doesn't hold water.
See also: hold, water
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • hold water
  • can't hold it (in)
  • not able to hold it (in)
  • not able to wait
  • keep off (of) (one's) case
  • keep still
  • keep still (about something)
  • hold one's tongue, to
  • abstain
  • keep out from under feet