held water
Stood up logically
To hold water is for an argument, theory, or explanation to be logically sound and able to withstand scrutiny.
Something that held water proved valid when examined: His alibi didn't hold water—he claimed to be home, but three witnesses saw him downtown.
The metaphor comes from containers: a leaky vessel won't hold water, just as a flawed argument won't hold up.
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
- stands to reasonIs logically sound
- make senseBe comprehensible or logical
- reservoirLarge water storage basin
- cisternWater storage chamber
premise · theory · justification · aquifer · dam · storage tank · rain barrel · logic · bucket · reasoning · hypothesis · rationale · tank · explanation · burden of proof · jar · bowl · cup