Quick answer: “Hold water” means to be logically sound or valid (usually negative).
Hold water means that an argument, excuse, or theory is logical and stands up to close examination. It is most often used in the negative — ‘doesn't hold water’ — to say that something is not valid once it is tested.
Origin & History
The image is of a container that should hold liquid without leaking. An argument that ‘holds water’ doesn't leak logic, while one that ‘doesn't hold water’ falls apart under scrutiny.
The idiom is common in debate, law, and everyday arguments where someone's reasoning is being tested.
Idioms like this are the kind of expression documented in general reference works such as the Cambridge Dictionary, which record how figurative meanings develop in everyday English.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| His excuse for being late doesn't hold water. | Everyday excuses |
| The theory sounds interesting, but it doesn't hold water once you check the data. | Academic argument |
| Her argument holds water only if you ignore the evidence. | Debate |
| That alibi simply doesn't hold water. | Legal context |
| The company's defence didn't hold water in court. | Law, business |
How to Use It
The idiom is used mainly with ‘hold’ conjugated for tense and subject, and is almost always about arguments, excuses, or explanations, not literal containers.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
It doesn't hold the water.
It doesn't hold water. — No article before ‘water’ in the fixed idiom.
It doesn't hold waters.
It doesn't hold water. — ‘Water’ is uncountable here, so there is no plural.
It doesn't have water.
It doesn't hold water. — The fixed verb is ‘hold’, not ‘have’.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Quick Check: Hold water
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Hold water” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “His excuse for being late doesn't _____.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "hold water" mean?
That an argument, excuse, or theory is logical and stands up to close examination. It is most often used in the negative — ‘doesn't hold water’ — to say that something is not valid once it is tested.
Where does "hold water" come from?
The image is of a container that should hold liquid without leaking. An argument that ‘holds water’ doesn't leak logic, while one that ‘doesn't hold water’ falls apart under scrutiny.
Can you give an example of "hold water" in a sentence?
"His excuse for being late doesn't hold water." Another: "The theory sounds interesting, but it doesn't hold water once you check the data."
Is "hold water" formal or informal?
It is informal to neutral, and common in everyday spoken and written English.
What CEFR level is "hold water"?
B2. It suits learners who are comfortable with figurative, idiomatic language at this level.
What are common mistakes with "hold water"?
A common mistake is saying “It doesn't hold the water” instead of “It doesn't hold water”. No article before ‘water’ in the fixed idiom.
What idioms are similar to "hold water"?
Related expressions include Not have a leg to stand on, A red herring, Set the record straight.
Can "hold water" be used in writing?
Yes, it appears in blogs, informal articles, and everyday written messages, though very formal writing may prefer a more direct wording.
How do I practise idioms like "hold water"?
Use LexFizz Flash Cards and Flip Tiles, and try using "hold water" in a sentence of your own to connect the idiom to a real situation.
Can “hold water” be used positively?
Yes, though less often. ‘Her argument holds water’ means the argument is valid and stands up to scrutiny.