NOT HOLD WATER
What is the Meaning of the Expression
to HOLD WATER?
English teaching for English Language Learners (ELL) who are learning English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.
Examples of HOLD WATER in Sentences:
1. His investment opportunity sounds convincing but when you examine the details, what he says doesn’t hold water.
2. His case won’t hold water in court when the other lawyer starts questioning.
3. 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.
