How to Pronounce "not hold water"
expression
NAHT HOHLD WAW-ter
NOT HOHLD WAW-tuh
Definition
If an argument or explanation does not hold water, it is not logical, reasonable, or cannot be proven as true.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈnɑt/ /ˈhoʊɫd/ /ˈwɔtɝ
British English
nˈɒt/ /hˈəʊld/ /wˈɔːtɐ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
NAHT HOHLD WAW-ter
UK
NOT HOHLD WAW-tuh
Listen in Context
His excuse does not hold water.
This theory does not hold water when you look at the facts.
Her answer does not hold water with the teachers.
You can try to explain, but your story just does not hold water.