Ah, the good old idiom “to hold water”—where neither leaky buckets nor flimsy arguments dare to tread! 🌊
holding water stands robust against scrutiny, presenting the perfect metaphor for validity and sound reasoning. Think of it as the linguistic seal of approval: no leaks allowed!
Definition:
“Hold water, to”:
- Meaning: To bear close inspection; to be valid.
- Origin: In use since around 1600, this phrase conjures the image of a container so sound it leaks not a drop.
Considering John French’s eloquent urging in 1626 to produce “a more rational account … that will hold water.” it’s clear this phrase holds historical significance.
Similar Terms:
- Pass muster: To meet expected standards.
- Stand up to scrutiny: To survive careful examination.
- Hold up: To remain valid under questioning.
- Further examination: To withstand additional inquiry.
Antonyms:
- Fall apart: To lose coherence or validity.
- Fail the test: To not meet required standards.
- Leak like a sieve: To be full of faults or flaws.
Related Proverbs & Phrases:
- Look before you leap: Consider potential flaws before embarking on something.
- The proof of the pudding is in the eating: Something’s value is proven by testing it.
- All that glitters is not gold: Not everything that looks good on the surface holds up under scrutiny.
Humor-Filled Quote:
“Always try to present the facts. They hold up better under pressure than fiction—unless, of course, your facts are suffering from a leaky-faucet situation!” – Worthy Withers, amateur truth-plumber. 🛠️
Related Literature:
- Book: “Critical Thinking: The Art of Begging to Differ” by Wanda Whyrnot.
- Song: “Under Pressure” by Queen & David Bowie—because who knows better about holding up than these rock legends?
- Movie: “A Few Good Men”—nobody holds water (or shouts it louder) better than Colonel Jessup!
Intriguing Quiz Section 🌟
As you journey through life’s debates, remember: ensure your arguments “hold water” 🎯. After all, a leaky excuse isn’t worth much!
L. H. Literate 2023-10-01
