Grammar fix
hold water
remain convincing
If an argument or explanation holds water, it seems reasonable after people examine it carefully.
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
His excuse for missing the meeting doesn't hold water because he was online at the time.
My brother always says he's too busy to call our parents, but that doesn't really hold water, because he's on his phone all evening.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: That explanation doesn't hold the water.
Say: That explanation doesn't hold water.
The idiom normally has no article before 'water'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Still seem true when tested
How formalConversationalFormal
hold waterYou're here · Usually negative: 'that excuse doesn't hold water'.
hold upAn explanation or argument remains convincing after checking.stand up toAn argument survives careful examination or criticism.