But there are times when this theory just does not hold water.

It means nothing, I told myself, but that wouldn't hold water.

They would use pottery to hold their food and water.

"If the news of the meeting does not hold water, then the prices will fall again."

"They never seem to hold water after the press leaves."

But she had no idea if her assurance would hold water.

I wasn't sure the theory held water, but it made me feel better.

And fill whatever else we have that will hold water.

So the first justification does not seem to me to hold water.

But that's an argument which those in the book business believe simply doesn't hold water.