verb phrase🎓 English idiom

take it with a grain of salt

to not fully believe something

What it means

To regard a statement or piece of information with some doubt or scepticism, rather than accepting it as completely true. It advises caution about a claim that may be exaggerated or unreliable.

Examples

  • Take his version of the story with a grain of salt; he loves to exaggerate.
  • I'd take those online reviews with a grain of salt.
  • Her predictions are fun, but you should take them with a grain of salt.
  • Take the rumour with a grain of salt until it's officially confirmed.

Where it comes from

The phrase translates the Latin 'cum grano salis', linked to an ancient antidote recipe that was easier to swallow with a grain of salt. It came into English use in the 17th century to mean treating a claim with reservation.

Related idioms

#read between the lines#don't judge a book by its cover#cry wolf#ballpark figure

🎓 Think you know your idioms?

Take the English Idioms Test — 20 terms, instant result, no signup.

Take the test

Built by the team behind Deep In.