hold water

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.”

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

Higher temperatures enhance the atmosphere’s capacity to hold water vapor, increasing the quantities of moisture evaporating off the landscape.

From Los Angeles Times

But that doesn’t really hold water.

From Slate

It should be clear that if even some of Bonta’s and Nusslock’s allegations hold water, Providence’s right to continue running the Eureka hospital should come under question.

From Los Angeles Times

Officials are hoping to eradicate local reservoirs of dengue by reducing mosquito populations and eliminating possible breeding sites, namely containers that hold water.

From Los Angeles Times

He also said he wasn’t convinced the attempted murder charge would “hold water at the end of the day.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• stick