hold (one's) water

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hold (one's) water

To be calm or patient; to stop making pressing demands, requests, or solicitations. Janet needs to hold her water and just let the committee do its job. You kids hold your water back there or I swear I'll turn this car right around!

See also: hold, water

hold water

Stand up to critical examination, be sound and valid, as in This argument just won't hold water, or Her reasons for quitting don't hold water. This metaphoric expression alludes to a container that can hold water without leaking. [c. 1600]

See also: hold, water

hold water

(of a statement, theory, or line of reasoning) appear to be valid, sound, or reasonable.

See also: hold, water

hold ˈwater

(informal) (of a theory, etc.) remain true even when examined closely: Your argument just doesn’t hold water.

If a container holds water, no water escapes.

See also: hold, water

hold water

tv. [for an idea, plan, etc.] to survive evaluation or scrutiny. Nothing you’ve said so far holds water.

See also: hold, water

hold water

To stand up to critical examination: Your explanation doesn't hold water.

See also: hold, water