won't wash

will not wash

Will not be accepted or believed as true. That kind of excuse may have worked in high school, but it will not wash with me. The deadline for the paper is tomorrow, no extensions. He may be able to skirt the issue in some regions, but that approach won't wash in these parts—these people want straight answers.
See also: not, wash, will
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

won't wash

Will not stand up to examination, is unconvincing, will not work, as in That excuse about your sick aunt just won't wash. This expression originally alluded to a fabric that would not stand up to washing but by the late 1800s was used figuratively for other kinds of failure.
See also: wash
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

won't wash

will not be believed or accepted. informal
1998 New Scientist In the end, however, this argument won't wash.
See also: wash
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

something won’t/doesn’t ˈwash (with somebody)

used to say that somebody’s explanation, excuse, etc. is not valid or that you/somebody else will not accept it: That excuse simply won’t wash with me.
See also: something, wash
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • not for a second
  • not for a minute
  • not for a moment
  • aint
  • ain't
  • not for a instant
  • not for a/one minute/moment/second/instant
  • not by any means
  • by no means
  • hope not
References in classic literature
But it won't wash historically, because Dreyfus's document (if it was his document) was literally correct."
The Wisdom Of Father Brown
"That won't wash," said the doctor aside to the priest.
The Innocence Of Father Brown
What works for Boris in England and it seems in Wales just won't wash up there.
WEBCHAT; Ruth Davidson resigns as leader of the Scottish Conservatives
But that won't wash with a lot of supporters because they have had more than enough of the current regime.
Being Geordie by no means Brucey bonus in eyes of fans - it is results that matter
Hand wringing, wearing rosaries or swinging incense won't wash with the man in the street.
Cardinal should resign immediately
But sharing your dirty laundry with the world won't wash.
Divorce can get ugly, and []
His latest drivel on vulture funds won't wash with the victims at the coalface of the crisis.
Leo backs vultures over voters; COMMENT 2nd floor, 9A Beckett Way, Park West Industrial Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 12 Tel: 01 868 8600, Fax 01 868 8626, irishmirror.ie
'I won't wash this because this is some sort of memorabilia that says I gave it my all for La Salle.'
Bloodied Montalbo gave his all for La Salle
IT WON'T WASH In her second stint, in 2009, Katie Price kept being chosen for Bushtucker Trials
I'MACELEB.. let me shower in here; a decade since myleene led the way by getting wet
The down is water-repellent and stays dry 10 times longer than untreated down.The water repellency won't wash out and is free of harmful fluorocarbons.
GEAR OF THE WEEK
"It won't wash off and they have just malted so the swans have got to remain here for months." he said.
Swan sanctuary believes birds on the Thames were deliberately doused in pink dye; The two swans will now have to remain at the Swan Sanctuary for "months" while the dye is removed from their feathers
But, according to Lacson, ''we can, but only if my family will eat only once a day, won't brush our teeth nor take a bath, walk every day to and from our place of work but avoid perspiring so we won't wash our clothes.''
Lacson says his family can survive on a P10,000 wage a month
That sorry I am late for work excuse won't wash. Don't worry.
Justin Toper YOUR HOROSCOPE WITH CAPRICORN CANCER
AM Simon Thomas' excuse, reported on BBC Wales Politics, that Plaid's conduct of disciplinary matters is "appalling" won't wash. Plaid does have a procedure.
McEvoy treated unfairly by Plaid; Views of Wales
And as the British government appeared to be at loggerheads with EU officials, she said: "This cavalier approach just won't wash in a situation as complex as this, and it's also totally unacceptable when people's jobs and livelihoods are at risk."
MP's fears over Brexit progress