- To understand that something (like information, a statement, or advice) may not be completely true, accurate, or reliable; to be skeptical about it.
Explanation
Origin
- Derived from the Latin phrase cum grano salis.
- Pliny the Elder used it in his Naturalis Historia (77 AD), supposedly translating an ancient antidote for poison which was said to work better if taken with a grain of salt.
- The idea evolved: just as a pinch of salt might make something (like poison) easier to swallow or counteract it, a metaphorical grain of salt (skepticism) makes potentially untrue information easier to handle or helps counteract its misleading effect.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Don't buy it (Don't believe it)
- Sounds like BS (Bullshit Vulgar) / Sounds bogus
- Be sus about it (Be suspicious Younger slang)
Milder/Formal:
- Exercise skepticism
- View with reservation
- Question the veracity
- Do not accept it unquestioningly
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate for informal and semi-formal contexts.
- Widely understood and common.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Highly figurative. Needs clarification that it means be skeptical, not literally adding salt to something. The amount (grain) emphasizes a small degree of doubt, but it often implies significant skepticism is needed.
Examples
- He tends to exaggerate, so take his stories with a grain of salt.
- You should take online reviews with a grain of salt.
- She said the project is easy, but I'd take that with a grain of salt.
Dialogue
Maya: My cousin told me about this amazing investment opportunity that guarantees huge returns!
Noah: Hmm, sounds a bit too good to be true. I'd take that with a grain of salt if I were you.
Maya: You think? He seemed really convinced.
Noah: Maybe, but guaranteed huge returns often means high risk or even a scam. Be skeptical and do your own research.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Reading celebrity gossip? Always best to take it with a grain of salt. 😉 #Gossip #Rumors
- Post: My fitness tracker says I burned 1000 calories on a short walk. Taking that number with a grain of salt! 😂 #FitnessTech #Accuracy
- Comment: Heard some office rumors today... definitely taking them with a massive grain of salt.
Response Patterns
- Good point, I'll keep that in mind.
- Yeah, I figured as much.
- Why do you say that? Do you know something?
- Okay, I won't believe everything I hear.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After advising someone to take something with a grain of salt:
- One might explain *why* skepticism is warranted (He's been wrong before, Those reviews might be biased).
After being advised:
- The listener might ask for more context or simply acknowledge the advice and proceed more cautiously.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's advice about how to interpret information.
Intonation
- Emphasis on take and grain of salt. TAKE it with a GRAIN of SALT.
- Often said in a cautionary or slightly knowing tone.
Generation Differences
- Understood across generations, though the Latin origin is likely known by fewer people.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions. Sometimes pinch of salt is used, especially in British English, with the same meaning.