The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word STRAINERS
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More clues leading to the result STRAINERS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "they will never hold water" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they will never hold water = strainers.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STRAINERS mean?
STRAINERS noun- A device through which a liquid is passed for purification, filtering or separation from solid matter; anything (including a screen or a cloth) used to strain a liquid.
- A perforated screen or openwork (usually at the end of a suction pipe of a pump), used to prevent solid bodies from mixing in a liquid stream or flowline.
- One who strains.