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

VOA: special.2009.05.10

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

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

VOA: special.2009.01.20

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

VOA: special.2009.08.18

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

VOA: special.2010.01.26

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

VOA: special.2009.09.09