0886 Take it with a grain of salt

Explanation

Advise someone to be skeptical about something they've heard or read because it might not be completely true or accurate.

Origin

Originates from Pliny the Elder's 'Naturalis Historia' (AD 77), referencing an antidote recipe that included a grain of salt ('cum grano salis').
The idea was that the antidote worked better with this small addition.
Figuratively, it evolved to mean that information might be easier to swallow or accept if tempered with a bit of skepticism (the salt), acknowledging potential inaccuracy or bias.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Don't buy it. (Expressing disbelief)
Sounds kinda sus. (Suspicious, common online/younger speakers)
I'd be side-eyeing that. (Expressing suspicion non-verbally)
That sounds like cap. (AAVE origin, means lying/exaggerating, popular online)
Yeah, right. (Sarcastic disbelief)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

That sounds like bullshit/crap.
Don't believe that shit for a second.

Milder:

I'd be a little cautious about that.
Maybe double-check that information.
Hmm, I wonder if that's entirely accurate.

Situational Appropriateness

Informal to semi-formal.
Generally acceptable in most conversations, including workplace discussions about potentially unreliable information (e.g., rumors, preliminary data).
Tone matters; avoid sounding overly dismissive of someone personally.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Learners might misunderstand the literal grain of salt. Explain it signifies a small amount of doubt or skepticism, not actual salt.
Emphasize it doesn't necessarily mean the information is completely false, just potentially inaccurate or biased.

Examples

He tends to exaggerate, so take his stories with a grain of salt.
The tabloid headlines should always be taken with a grain of salt.
She said the job offer was amazing, but I'm taking it with a grain of salt until I see the contract.

Dialogue

Liam: Did you hear Sarah got offered a lead role in a Hollywood movie?

Chloe: Really? That sounds amazing, but I'd take it with a grain of salt. She sometimes gets carried away.

Liam: Ah, okay. Maybe I'll wait for the official announcement then.

Response Patterns

Okay, I will.
Yeah, I figured as much.
Good point, thanks for the heads-up.
Why do you say that? (Seeking clarification)
Right, I won't take it too seriously then.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After receiving the advice (Okay, I will):

The listener might ask for reasons for the skepticism (What makes you say that?, Is there something I should know?).
The advisor might provide context (Well, he's been wrong before, That source isn't always reliable.).

After acknowledging (Yeah, I figured):

The conversation might shift to discussing the unreliability of the source or information.

Conversation Starter

No. It's typically used as advice or a comment in response to information being shared.

Intonation

Stress typically falls on TAKE, GRAIN, and SALT. TAKE it with a GRAIN of SALT.
The tone is usually cautionary, advisory, or slightly dismissive of the information's reliability.

Generation Differences

Widely understood and used across most generations.

Regional Variations

Common and understood throughout the major English-speaking world (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).

Hindsight is 20/20

🎲 Give someone the benefit of the doubt

[0886] Take it with a grain of salt