What is the Meaning of the Expression
to HOLD WATER?

Definition:

a statement (or theory, or idea) appears to be valid, or reasonable, or reliable, or true

Note:

This is often used in the negative.

 

Example:

• His investment opportunity sounds convincing but when you examine the details, what he says doesn’t hold water.
• His case won’t hold water in court when the other lawyer starts questioning.
• Your ideas are interesting, but they don’t really hold water. You need to do more research before you write your paper, or your professor will point out the holes in your argument.

 

More English expressions and phrases