Puzzle #430 · August 5, 2026
holds water
Featured
Every day one two-word expression or compound word used in American English.
To “hold water” is an idiom meaning an argument, theory, or excuse is logical, sound, and able to withstand critical analysis. Derived from the idea of a solid bucket holding liquid without leaking, if a claim is said to hold water, it makes sense and is backed by reason.
Puzzle Appearances
The expression holds water has appeared in 1 puzzle:
- Puzzle #430 on August 5, 2026
Rate of Appearance in English Language Print
Google's Ngram project shows how often a pair of words has appeared in print every year since the 1800's.
Data from Google Books Ngram Viewer. Licensed under CC BY 3.0.
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