hold water, to
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.
hold water, to
To bear close inspection; to be valid. This expression, used since about 1600, refers to the soundness of a container that holds water without leaking. “Let them produce a more rational account . . . that will hold water,” wrote John French (The Yorkshire Spaw, 1626).
See also: hold
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- hold with
- hold with (something)
- get hold of
- get hold of (one)
- get hold of somebody/something
- Will you hold(, please)?
- hold it
- Hold it!
- hold accountable
- accountable