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hold water
not hold water
if an opinion or a statement does not hold water, it can be shown to be wrong Most of the arguments put forward by our opponents simply do not 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. 1600]
hold water
tv. [for an idea, plan, etc.] to survive evaluation or scrutiny. Nothing you’ve said so far holds water.
hold water
To stand up to critical examination: Your explanation doesn't hold water.