hold water
If a reason, argument or explanation holds water, it is true:
Her alibi just didn't hold water.

[TahlilGaran] Advanced Learner's Dictionary ▲

hold water
(not) hold water
if an opinion or a statement does not hold water, it can be shown to be wrong.
Most of the arguments put forward by our opponents simply do not hold water.

(not) hold water - if an opinion or a statement does not hold water, it can be shown to be wrong.
If his theory holds water, it could be a breakthrough in cancer research.

to not seem to be true or reasonable.
That argument isn't likely to hold water with my father!

A lot of the stuff I believed in when I was 17 just doesn't hold water today.

Related vocabulary: hold up
Etymology: based on the idea of a bucket or container that is suitable for holding water

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

hold water
be a sound idea
His proposal for a new work scheduling system doesn't hold water.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

hold water
v. phr.
1. To keep water without leaking.
That pail still holds water.
2. informal To prove true; stand testing; bear examination.
■ Usually used in negative, interrogative, or conditional sentences.
Ernest told the police a story that wouldn't hold water.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲