holding water
Withstanding scrutiny well
Holding water describes an argument, theory, or explanation that remains sound under scrutiny.
Something that holds water is logically consistent and withstands examination, like a container that doesn't leak: Her alibi doesn't hold water.
Almost always used in the negative—things fail to hold water more often than they succeed.
- bucketOpen-top carrying vessel
- jugHandled pouring container
- bottleContainer for liquids
- cupSmall drinking container
- legitGenuine, in slang
valid · glass · coherence · rationality · container · reservoir · kosher · credibility · plausibility · consistency · cistern · evidence · logic · sound · vessel · fair · makes sense · checks out
- Futile taskswild goose chase, fool's errand, tilting at windmills, herding cats, beating dead horse