Sounds weak, but will probably hold water (4)

I believe the answer is:

pail

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'will probably hold water' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'sounds weak' is the wordplay.
'sounds' shows a homophone (sound like).
'weak' becomes 'pale' (similar in meaning).
'pale' sounds like 'PAIL'.

'but' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pail that I've seen before include "Vessel for carrying liquids" , "Kind of bucket - ask Jack and Jill" , "Container; sounds like dim" , "water-carrier" , "Milkmaid's bucket?" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.