hold water
Be logically valid
To hold water is to be logically sound or able to withstand scrutiny.
The metaphor comes from containers—a bucket with holes won't hold water, and neither will a flawed argument: His alibi doesn't hold water.
Almost always appears in negative constructions: That theory won't hold water.
Able to convince
- plausibleAppearing worthy of belief
- convincingAble to persuade
- soundAudible wave phenomenon
- coherentLogically connected throughout
defensible · airtight · substantiated · justifiable · tenable · consistent · logical · reasonable
Foundation for logical argument
- rationaleStated basis for action
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
- proofDemonstration of truth
thesis · rebuttal · counterargument · contention · logic · deduction · inference · fallacy
Open-top carrying vessel
believable
Able to convince
- plausibleAppearing worthy of belief
- convincingAble to persuade
- soundAudible wave phenomenon
coherent · defensible · airtight · substantiated · justifiable · tenable · consistent · logical · reasonable · credible
premise
Foundation for logical argument
proof · thesis · rebuttal · counterargument · contention · logic · deduction · inference · fallacy · debate
bucket
Open-top carrying vessel
reservoir · jug · pitcher · bottle · flask · canteen · pail · vat · urn · carboy
sealed
Closed to prevent entry
- intactNot damaged or altered
- impermeableCannot be penetrated
- gasketMechanical leak preventer
sealant · patched · caulked · tight · sound · secure · plugged · stoppered · hermetic
strainer
Perforated draining vessel
screen · perforated · porous · permeable · leaky · drain · seep · sift · riddled · punctured
- rowingoars, oar, rowing, crew, scull
- cut itmake it, hack it, pass muster, cut the mustard, make the grade