What does it mean to hold water?

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.

Where does the expression hold water come from?

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).

Does not Hold water meaning of this idiom?

said to mean that you do not believe that a theory or an argument can possibly be true or right. They make it clear that the British Government’s argument does not hold water. Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary.

Can we hold water?

Meaning: When you say that something does or does not ‘hold water’, it means that the point of view or argument put forward is or is not sound, strong or logical.

Can’t hold water meaning urban dictionary?

UK. to be unable to keep a secret or unable to stop yourself from talking about something: Don’t tell her anything – she can’t hold her water.

Does not hold water idiom example?

won’t hold water to be inadequate, insubstantial, or ill-conceived. Sorry, your ideas won’t hold water. Nice try, though. The prosecution’s case wouldn’t hold water, so the defendant was released.

Does the case hold water Meaning?

What is something that holds water?

cistern. noun. a container for holding water.

What is the best definition for surface water?

Surface water is any body of water above ground, including streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and creeks. The ocean, despite being saltwater, is also considered surface water.

What does to hold water mean?

To hold water means to be correct, valid, sound, or reasonable and to stand up to scrutiny. This idiom has many synonyms or near-synonyms such as hold up, carry weight, stack up, airtight, etc. Want to see more videos from Idioms.Online? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!

What does hold your water back mean?

You kids hold your water back there or I swear I’ll turn this car right around! See also: hold, water hold water To be or appear to be true, verifiable, or able to be supported by facts. The image is of a vessel that does not have “holes” in it (errors or gaps in reasoning) and thus will not leak water.

What does the idiom just won’t hold water mean?

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.

What does it mean to hold water up to scrutiny?

To hold water means to be correct, valid, sound, or reasonable and to stand up to scrutiny. This idiom has many synonyms or near-synonyms such as hold up , carry weight , stack up , airtight, etc. Want to see more videos from Idioms.Online?