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hold water

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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.

See also: 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]

See also: hold, water

hold water

tv. [for an idea, plan, etc.] to survive evaluation or scrutiny. Nothing you’ve said so far holds water.

See also: hold, water

hold water

To stand up to critical examination: Your explanation doesn't hold water.

See also: hold, water