hold water

Definitions

To withstand scrutiny or criticism; to be valid.

idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“"Young man," he said, "upon this point⟳ I can only say⟳ that your story is grossly improbable. It won't hold⟳ water."”

“At the parlay, Tyrion also tries to claim⟳ Tywin’s murder⟳ was self-defense, which holds some water, and despite Jaime’s anger, I suspect⟳ he can see⟳ it from that side.”

“So the argument that we can keep⟳ them ‘addicted’ holds no water. They want⟳ American chips right now for one simple reason⟳: They are behind in the A.I. race⟳ and this will help⟳ them catch⟳ up while they build⟳ their own⟳ chip capabilities.”

CEFR level