to  hold  water
hold
həʊld
hewld
water
wɔ:tə
vawtē

Definition & Meaning of "hold water"in English

to hold water
01

(of an argument, theory, etc.) to be believable or supported by evidence 

to [hold] water definition and meaning
Idiom
Informal

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.

Examples
His excuse doesn't hold water; the camera shows he was there. 
to  hold  one's water
hold
həʊld
hewld
<i>one's</i>
wʌnz
vanz
water
wɔ:tə
vawtē
to hold one's water
01

to resist the urge to pass urine 

Idiom
Informal

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.

Examples
We just transitioned our daughter out of diapers, and she's having a very hard time holding her water so far. 
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