# hold water

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hold-water
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To withstand scrutiny or criticism; to be valid.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

Possibly from Jeremiah 2:13. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.