holding water

phrase

present participle of hold water
as in flying
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval a weak explanation that doesn't hold water

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Recent Examples of holding water Bar drain plugs were not holding water without aid of plastic disposable gloves. Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026

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“Holding water.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20water. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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