doesn't hold water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doesn't hold water" is a correct and common figurative expression in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is not logical or does not make sense. Example: "The politician's excuse for his actions doesn't hold water when you look at the evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That doesn't hold water".

The New York Times

That doesn't hold water, either.

The New York Times

"That doesn't hold water for me.

The New York Times

That belief doesn't hold water, either.

The Guardian - Opinion

That argument doesn't hold water anymore".

The New York Times

"Their whole excuse doesn't hold water," he said.

The New York Times

And the chain's excuse for its actions doesn't hold water.

The Economist

I checked that possibility out, and it doesn't hold water.

The New York Times

"There is a perception that emerging markets are risky, but it doesn't hold water," he said.

The New York Times

The Beckett argument, even taken at face value, doesn't hold water.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their signs included, "Equality – Tier- B Lives Matter", and "Hey, Kohler, Your Offer Doesn't Hold Water".

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "doesn't hold water", ensure that the context clearly indicates what argument or idea is being assessed as flawed. Provide supporting evidence or reasoning to strengthen your critique.

Common error

Avoid using "doesn't hold water" as a generic dismissal. It's most effective when you can pinpoint the specific weakness or inconsistency that causes the argument to fail. A vague assertion dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doesn't hold water" functions as a predicate in a sentence, typically modifying a noun or pronoun that represents an argument, claim, or theory. It asserts that the subject lacks logical consistency or factual support. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common idiom used to express that something is not sound or believable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "doesn't hold water" is a frequently used idiom signifying that an argument or idea is flawed and illogical. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to express disagreement or skepticism. Primarily found in news and media, with neutral tone, the phrase is best employed when you can precisely identify the weakness of the argument in question. Alternatives like "is illogical" or "does not stand up to scrutiny" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not stand up to scrutiny

This alternative highlights the inability of the argument to withstand careful examination.

is illogical

This term directly addresses the lack of logical consistency in the argument.

lacks credibility

This focuses on the lack of trustworthiness or reliability of the argument.

is not plausible

This alternative emphasizes the lack of believability or credibility.

is a weak argument

This phrase directly assesses the strength of the argument.

is not convincing

This alternative focuses on the lack of persuasiveness of an argument or explanation.

is built on shaky foundations

This metaphorical phrase highlights the instability and unreliability of the argument's basis.

is unsupportable

This suggests that the argument lacks sufficient evidence or justification.

is easily refuted

This suggests that the argument can be easily disproven or countered.

is unsustainable

This suggests the argument can not be maintained or defended.

FAQs

How can I use "doesn't hold water" in a sentence?

Use "doesn't hold water" to express that an argument, explanation, or idea is flawed or illogical. For example, "His excuse for being late "doesn't hold water" after reviewing the security footage".

What are some alternatives to saying "doesn't hold water"?

Alternatives include "is not convincing", "is illogical", or "does not stand up to scrutiny", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "doesn't hold water" in formal or informal writing?

While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, "doesn't hold water" is generally more common in neutral to informal settings. For highly formal academic or scientific writing, consider alternatives like "is unsustainable" or "lacks credibility".

What does it mean when someone says an argument "doesn't hold water"?

It means the argument is weak, flawed, or illogical and cannot be supported by evidence or reason. It implies the argument is likely to fail under examination and "is easily refuted".