The phrase "hold water" is an idiomatic expression that means to be valid, logical, or convincing. It originated from the concept of a container, such as a bottle or a bucket, being capable of holding water without leaking.
When something "holds water," it implies that the information, argument, or explanation being presented is capable of withstanding scrutiny or criticism and is therefore considered trustworthy or reliable. It suggests that the statement or idea is logical, coherent, and stands up to close examination without any significant flaws or contradictions.
If an argument or explanation does not "hold water," however, it indicates that it lacks credible evidence, logical reasoning, internal consistency, or factual accuracy. In such cases, the argument may have gaps or inconsistencies that render it unreliable, unconvincing, or easily refutable.
The phrase "hold water" can be used in various contexts, such as assessing the viability of a theory, examining the reliability of an alibi, or evaluating the soundness of someone's reasoning. It is often applied in discussions, debates, or investigations where the reliability or credibility of a claim, explanation, or point of view is being evaluated.
Overall, when something "holds water," it is deemed to be legitimate, satisfactory, or convincing, while something that does not "hold water" is considered weak, implausible, or questionable.
