How to Pronounce "hold water"
expression
ˈhoʊɫd/ /ˈwɔtɝ
HOHLD WAW-ter
hˈəʊld/ /wˈɔːtɐ
HOHLD WAW-tuh
Definition
If an idea, argument, or explanation 'holds water', it is logical, valid, or makes sense; if it 'doesn't hold water', it's not convincing or is flawed.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈhoʊɫd/ /ˈwɔtɝ
British English
hˈəʊld/ /wˈɔːtɐ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
HOHLD WAW-ter
UK
HOHLD WAW-tuh
Listen in Context
Her explanation doesn't hold water.
That theory just doesn't hold water.
Do you think his story holds water?
Most of their arguments simply don't hold water under closer examination.