Scientists have long believed that Earth's satellite lacks the ability to hold water near its surface because it has no atmosphere.

VOA: special.2009.09.30

But they spent a lot of time, energy, and money on being sure that they would have a supply of water to hold them for a long siege.

他们花费了大量的时间,精力,和金钱来确保,在长期的围城中他们可以获得足够的水源

耶鲁公开课 - 古希腊历史简介课程节选

Another common expression, to hold water, is about the strength or weakness of an idea,opinion or argument.

VOA: special.2009.05.10

The method can quickly judge the soil's ability to hold water and absorb nutrients.

VOA: special.2009.01.20

If it does not hold water, then it is weak and cannot be proved.

VOA: special.2009.05.10

Ceramic objects permitted early cultures to make containers that could hold water.

VOA: special.2009.09.09

If it can hold water, it is strong.

VOA: special.2009.05.10

If that is the case, it may be possible that the moon could hold enough water for future explorations or even colonies.

VOA: special.2009.12.30

The students were then asked to hold their hand in cold water for as long as they could.

VOA: special.2009.08.18

Plantings in the wetlands help hold down the soil against the forces of erosion, like wind and water.

VOA: special.2009.10.06

However,he says, many plants are not closing their pores in order to hold in more water.

VOA: special.2010.01.26

Drop several seeds over the surface of the pot and cover with a thin layer of vermiculite, a substance that can hold air, water and nutrients.

VOA: special.2009.04.21

Vermiculite is a material that can hold air, water and nutrients.

VOA: special.2011.04.26

The frames are levees that hold in the water for paddies in which rice is grown.

VOA: standard.2010.06.17