HOLD WATER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does hold water mean? 

• HOLD WATER (verb)
  The verb HOLD WATER has 1 sense:

1. resist or withstand wear, criticism, etc.

  Familiarity information: HOLD WATER used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• HOLD WATER (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Resist or withstand wear, criticism, etc.

Classified under:

Verbs of being, having, spatial relations

Synonyms:

hold up; hold water; stand up

Context example:

This theory won't hold water

Hypernyms (to "hold water" is one way to...):

endure; go; hold out; hold up; last; live; live on; survive (continue to live and avoid dying)

Sentence frame:

Something ----s

 Context examples 

Previous studies at subduction zones like the Mariana Trench have noted that the subducting plate could hold water.

(Seismic study reveals huge amount of water dragged into Earth’s interior, National Science Foundation)

“Suppose it were as you suppose, supposing Dr. Jekyll to have been—well, murdered what could induce the murderer to stay? That won’t hold water; it doesn’t commend itself to reason.”

(The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

“Jack ashore, you know. It's not them I mind; it's the round-shot. Carpet bowls! My lady's maid couldn't miss. Tell us, squire, when you see the match, and we'll hold water.”

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)