holds water

USAGE SUMMARY

"holds water" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom that means something has been accepted as true or valid, usually after being tested in some way. For example: "His argument holds water, so we have to consider it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither holds water.

The New York Times

Cotton holds water.

The New Yorker

It holds water".

The New York Times

And it still holds water.

The Guardian - Music

It also holds water well.

The New York Times

Contradiction or not, the idea holds water.

The New York Times

That argument no longer holds water.

The Economist

As a theory, it holds water.

The Guardian

It's just a few yards deep and still holds water.

The New York Times - Travel

It holds water, even through the drier times.

The Guardian

And neither's conceit, of heroism or victimization, holds water.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "holds water", ensure the subject is an idea, argument, or theory. This idiom is best suited for abstract concepts rather than physical objects.

Common error

Avoid using "holds water" to describe the physical capacity of something to contain liquid. This idiom refers to the validity or soundness of an idea, not literal water-holding ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "holds water" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used to assess the validity or soundness of an argument, theory, or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a commonly used idiom with a clear and consistent meaning. Examples show its use in evaluating claims and arguments across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "holds water" is a frequently used expression to assess the validity or soundness of an argument or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates whether something is believable and logical, and is most often found in news and media sources. When using it, be sure to apply it to abstract concepts rather than physical objects. Alternatives such as "is valid", "is sound", and "is credible" can be employed for variety. Remember, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood, making it a reliable choice for expressing your assessment of an idea's merit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is valid

Focuses on the logical correctness or factual accuracy of something.

is sound

Emphasizes the reliability and well-founded nature of an argument or idea.

is credible

Highlights the believability and trustworthiness of something.

is convincing

Stresses the power of persuasion and the ability to sway opinion.

is plausible

Suggests that something is seemingly reasonable or likely, though not definitively proven.

stands up to scrutiny

Indicates that something can withstand examination and criticism.

bears examination

Implies that something is worth investigating and likely to be found true.

is tenable

Suggests that a position or argument is defensible and able to be maintained.

is justifiable

Highlights the defensible nature of something, usually in terms of ethics or reason.

is sustainable

Indicates the ability to continue or be maintained over a period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "holds water" in a sentence?

Use "holds water" to describe an argument, theory, or explanation that is sound and logical. For example, "His explanation for the missing files "holds water", so I believe him".

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

If something "doesn't hold water", it means that it's not believable, logical, or well-founded. It suggests that the argument or theory is flawed and cannot withstand scrutiny.

Which is the correct idiom: "holds water" or "hold water"?

"Holds water" is correct when referring to a singular subject. "Hold water" would be grammatically correct if referring to a plural subject (though this is less common). However, the singular form is far more frequently used as the standard idiomatic expression.

What are some similar phrases to "holds water"?

You can use alternatives like "is valid", "is sound", or "is credible" depending on the context.