Definition & Meaning of "hold water"

What is the origin of the idiom "hold water" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "hold water" can be traced back to the early 17th century in English. The expression originally referred to the ability of a container to hold water without leaking. If a container could "hold water," it was considered reliable and functional. This expression is now used to evaluate the validity, logic, or soundness of an argument, explanation, or statement.

What is the origin of the idiom "hold one's water" and when to use it?

The idiom "hold one's water" is believed to have originated from a time when people had to physically carry or transport water from a source to their homes. This expression has since evolved to describe the act of resisting the urge to urinate, typically due to a lack of immediate restroom facilities.