In this part of the unit, you’re going to see a set of idiomatic expressions that can be used to highlight weaknesses in reasoning, or to talk about certainty or confidence. Some of these idioms are tightly linked to the topic in hand, while others have a broader scope but still fit the overall idea.
The goal is to help you become more familiar with expressions that native speakers use regularly, so that you can both understand them in context and, if you wish, incorporate them into your own repertoire of advanced English.
Doesn’t hold water
Meaning: Said of an argument that is weak or illogical.
Example: "Their explanation simply doesn’t hold water once you examine the facts."
(to be) On shaky ground
Meaning: Based on weak evidence or reasoning.
Example: "The theory stands on shaky ground without further proof."
(to) Clutch at straws
Meaning: Making desperate, weak arguments with little basis.
Example: "His defence in court was clearly clutching at straws."
(to be) Rock solid
Meaning: Unshakable, very certain.
Example: "The evidence is rock solid; there’s no disputing it."
(to) Stand one’s ground
Meaning: Refuse to back down, even under pressure.
Example: "Despite criticism, she stood her ground and defended the proposal."
Without batting an eyelid
Meaning: Said or done with total confidence, without hesitation.
Example: "He defended the controversial policy without batting an eyelid."
You can carry on practising these idiomatic expressions with the following two exercises.
In this first one, try to guess each of the idioms, using the clues to help you 
.
Now try to complete the expressions in the text below, choosing the most appropriate of the words you have as options.
Aprovecha lo que ya has aprendido y completa tu formación en el curso de Inglés dominio experto (C2)
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