holding water

phrase

present participle of hold water
as in flying
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval a weak explanation that doesn't hold water

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of holding water People were milling about in flip-flops, holding water jugs, smoking cigarettes—little to do, nowhere to go. — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026 Bar drain plugs were not holding water without aid of plastic disposable gloves. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026

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holding up
holding water
holding with
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Cite this Entry

“Holding water.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20water. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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