The idiom "held your water" means to restrain oneself or refrain from urinating until an appropriate time. The spelling of this phrase is relatively straightforward. "Held" is pronounced /held/ and means to have held onto something. "Your" is pronounced /jɔr/ and is the possessive form of "you". "Water" is pronounced /ˈwɔtər/ and refers to the liquid that comes out of us when we urinate. Together, "held your water" is a common phrase used in informal situations.
The phrase "held your water" is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used in informal settings. It typically refers to someone's ability to exert self-control and patience in a given situation. The literal meaning of "held your water" is to refrain from urinating, suggesting the ability to delay a natural urge.
Metaphorically, the phrase implies that a person is able to withhold a particular response, action, or impulsive behavior when faced with provocation, criticism, or impatience. It conveys the idea of maintaining composure and self-restraint in circumstances that might otherwise provoke an emotional or instinctive reaction.
To "hold your water" often involves resisting impulsive reactions and carefully considering one's words or actions before proceeding. It implies the ability to maintain emotional stability and avoid becoming overwhelmed by an immediate urge to respond. This phrase is often used to commend individuals who display self-control, patience, or maturity in difficult or tense situations.
Overall, "held your water" encapsulates the idea of maintaining composure and restraint, similar to the physical act of holding onto bodily fluids temporarily. This idiomatic expression highlights the importance of self-control, discipline, and delay of gratification, especially in situations where immediate reactions might lead to negative outcomes.