Take it with a grain of salt — to be sceptical about something; not to accept it as completely true without questioning it. You acknowledge information while remaining cautious about its accuracy.
Origin & History
The phrase is often traced to the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (1st century AD), who described an antidote to poison to be taken cum grano salis — "with a grain of salt". The idea was that a tiny amount of salt made something unpalatable more tolerable. Over time, the expression evolved to mean approaching a claim with caution.
In British English, the equivalent phrase is "take it with a pinch of salt", which carries the exact same meaning.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Take his advice with a grain of salt — he exaggerates a lot. | Doubting someone's reliability |
| I'd take those online reviews with a grain of salt. | Scepticism about reviews |
| You should take everything the tabloids print with a grain of salt. | Media scepticism |
| She told me I'd be promoted this year, but I'm taking it with a grain of salt. | Workplace promise |
| Take the statistics with a grain of salt — we don't know the sample size. | Data analysis |
Use It in Conversation
Dialogue Example
Dan: I read that this new diet makes you lose 10 kg in a week!
Maya: I'd take that with a grain of salt. Claims like that are usually not backed by science.
Dan: Good point. I should do more research before trying it.
How to Use It
This idiom is typically used after hearing a claim or piece of information you find hard to believe. It can follow "take [something]": "Take what he says with a grain of salt." It can also be used reflexively: "I took the report with a grain of salt." It implies caution, not outright disbelief.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
Take it with a pound of salt.
Take it with a grain of salt. — The standard phrase uses 'grain', not 'pound'.
Take it with a grain of sugar.
Take it with a grain of salt. — The idiom specifically uses 'salt'.