Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Hold water

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

SSC CGL 2022 Tier-I Official Paper (Held On : 13 Dec 2022 Shift 2)

Answer 1

The correct answer is 'Appear to be valid or reasonable'.

Key Points

The most appropriate meaning of the given idiom 'Hold water' is 'Appear to be valid or reasonable'.
The idiom 'hold water' means to be valid, reasonable, or sound. It is often used to refer to an argument, theory, or explanation that appears to be valid or plausible. If an idea or argument does not 'hold water', it means it is not logical or credible.
- Example: The explanation provided by the accused did not hold water, so the judge dismissed it and proceeded with the trial.

Correct Answer: Appear to be valid or reasonable.

Additional Information

Let's see the origin of this idiom:
- The origin of idiom "hold water" is believed to have come from the ancient practice of carrying water in containers. In order for the container to be useful, it had to "hold water" without leaking or spilling.
- Therefore, if an argument or theory "holds water," it is seen as being able to stand up to scrutiny and not fall apart, much like a container that holds water without leaking.