Asked in: SSC CGL 2022 T-1 · SSC CGL 2021 T-1
hold water in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CGL 2022 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Hold waterAnswer & explanation
Answer: A) Appear to be valid or reasonable
Answer: Appear to be valid or reasonable
Explanation:
The idiom "hold water" means that an argument, theory, or statement is logical, consistent, and stands up to scrutiny (तर्कसंगत या वैध प्रतीत होना).
Example:
His explanation doesn’t hold water — it contradicts the evidence.
Other options:
• Appear to be of no value – opposite meaning ❌
• Stop emphasising a point – unrelated ❌
• A diluted argument – incorrect interpretation ❌
So, the correct meaning is: Appear to be valid or reasonable. - SSC CGL 2021 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
To hold waterAnswer & explanation
Answer: D) To be valid and reasonable
Explanation:
Meaning of “To hold water”:
• Used to describe an argument, explanation, or logic that is sound, logical, valid, and reasonable (तर्कसंगत या विश्वसनीय होना).
Example:
His excuse just doesn’t hold water.
❌ Explanation of Other Options:
• To be unsteady and unsure
• Meaning: डगमगाना या असमंजस में होना
• ❌ Opposite meaning — this implies lack of reliability, while “hold water” means reliable.
• To be large and deep
• Meaning: बड़ा और गहरा होना
• ❌ Literal meaning only — not idiomatic.
• To be sad and depressed
• Meaning: दुखी और उदास होना
• ❌ No connection to the phrase "hold water"
🟢 So, the correct meaning of the idiom “To hold water” is: To be valid and reasonable,
hold water – questions
Has hold water been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – hold water has been asked 2 times in SSC exams: SSC CGL 2022 T-1, SSC CGL 2021 T-1.