hold water

phrase

: to stand up under criticism or analysis

Their version of events doesn't hold water.

Examples of hold water in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hot water at the handwash sink was measured above proper hot holding water temperature. — Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026

These wetlands, connected to the river, act as natural reservoirs that absorb and hold water, especially when the river swells with meltwater or heavy rain. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026

People were milling about in flip-flops, holding water jugs, smoking cigarettes—little to do, nowhere to go. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Given that Chuy García continued to serve out his term despite the health issues his wife is experiencing and his new responsibilities as guardian of his grandchild, the other explanation does not hold water. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hold water

• backwater
• bathwater
• blackwater
• breakwater
• deepwater
• edgewater
• feedwater
• floodwater
• freshwater
• granddaughter
• groundwater
• headwater