What does not hold water Meaning?

said to mean that you do not believe that a theory or an argument can possibly be true or right. They make it clear that the British Government’s argument does not hold water.

What does it mean for something to hold water?

hold water. Stand up to critical examination, be sound and valid, as in This argument just won’t hold water, or Her reasons for quitting don’t hold water. This metaphoric expression alludes to a container that can hold water without leaking. [ c.

Does not hold water example?

not able to be proved; not correct or true. Jack’s story won’t hold water. It sounds too unlikely. The police’s theory will not hold water.

What is the idiomatic expression of will not hold water?

COMMON If a theory or an argument does not hold water, you can prove that it is wrong. Note: You can also say that a theory or an argument holds water, meaning that it is true or right. If these arguments hold water, then we may have to rethink our policy.

How do you use hold water in a sentence?

resist or withstand wear, criticism, etc..

  1. Her alibi just didn’t hold water.
  2. Your story just doesn’t hold water.
  3. This argument, however, does not hold water.
  4. This argument simply cannot hold water in Europe.
  5. His account of events simply doesn’t hold water.
  6. This argument just does not hold water.

Where did the phrase doesn’t hold water come from?

Used since the 1600’s, the idiom alludes figuratively to a container that cannot hold water and thus is useless. When an argument “has holes in it” the same allusion is suggested. As well, the related idiom “Swiss-cheese argument” refers to an argument with holes in it and thus one that “does not hold water.”

Does not hold water in sentence?

to be inadequate, insubstantial, or ill-conceived. Sorry, your ideas won’t hold water. Nice try, though. The prosecution’s case wouldn’t hold water, so the defendant was released.

Will not hold water in a sentence?

Does not hold water metaphor?

not hold water To not be or not appear to be true, verifiable, or able to be supported by facts. The image is of a container with holes in it—a metaphor for a position or argument containing “holes” (errors or gaps in reasoning).

What is the definition of ” does not hold water “?

What is the definition of “does not hold water”? The definition of “does not hold water” is: a statement does not appear to be correct or reasonable “does not hold water” means

What does hold water mean in a sentence?

hold water. to seem to be true or reasonable: The jury convicted her because her story just didn’t hold water. (Definition of hold water from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

Can you prove that a theory does not hold water?

COMMON If a theory or an argument does not hold water, you can prove that it is wrong. That explanation does not hold water, according to senior intelligence sources. It doesn’t really matter that not all of the film’s arguments hold water. Note: You can also say that a theory or an argument holds water, meaning that it is true or right.

What is the spiritual meaning of still water?

When it comes to the spiritual meaning of water, it is often associated with emotions. This can be emotions of any kind. Depending on the intensity of the water (still water, a relaxing stream or powerful waves); its spiritual meaning with regards to emotions is directly linked to it.