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

Plans call for two large dams about 300 feet high, as well as nine smaller ones, holding water pumped from the Sacramento River and inundating about 15,000 acres in a valley northwest of Sacramento. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

The foliage and stem system provide extra insulation and can help hold water in the winter months. — Macie Stump, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2026

Moisture Retention Traditional mulches, such as wood chips, excel at absorbing and holding water. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 19 Oct. 2026

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