hold water
To withstand scrutiny or criticism; to be valid.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“That excuse doesn't hold water with me.”
“The theory seemed interesting, but it didn't hold water once we looked at the actual data.”
“His argument, though eloquently delivered, failed to hold water under the committee's rigorous cross-examination.”
disputed origin
Possibly from Jeremiah 2:13.
- 01
apron-string hold
An estate held by a man during his wife's life.
- 02
blood in the water
In a competitive situation, the exhibition of apparent weakness or vulnerability by one party, especially when this leads to a feeling of vulnerability or greater pressure to perform on the part of the weak party, or enhanced expectation of victory by the others.
- 03
blood is thicker than water
Family relations and loyalties are stronger than relationships with people who are not family members.
- 04
blow out of the water
To trounce; to defeat thoroughly, as at a game or in battle.
- 05
buy and hold
A passive investment strategy where an investor purchases an asset and retains it for many years, rather than trading it frequently.
- 06
carbonated water
Water that contains carbon dioxide dissolved in it under pressure and is intended for drinking.
- 07
carry someone's water
To do someone's bidding; to serve someone's interests.
- 08
carry water for
To perform menial tasks for; to serve; to assist; to be forced by politics or pragmatism to endorse or promote a belief, individual, or organization that in reality one does not fully support.
Last updated August 10, 2026