to-take-something-with-a-grain-of-salt
/tʊ teɪk ˈsʌmθɪŋ wɪð ə ɡreɪn əv sɔːlt/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
To accept a statement with doubt, because it may not be completely true. You do not trust it fully, even if you do not reject it outright.
- Take his story with a grain of salt.
- I read online reviews with a grain of salt.
- She took the praise with a grain of salt.
Adinary Nuance
This idiom is close to "be skeptical," "doubt," and "not take seriously," but it is softer. It suggests cautious listening, not complete rejection. People use it when a claim may be partly true, or when the speaker may be biased.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Xem xét kỹ
- Spanish
- Tomarlo con cautela
- Chinese
- 持保留态度
- Japanese
- 割り引いて聞く
- Korean
- 곧이곧대로 믿지 않다
Etymology
This idiom comes from Latin and entered English through older European writing. The idea is that a small amount of salt makes something easier to swallow, just as doubt makes a claim easier to accept.
Common phrases
take it with a grain of saltread it with a grain of salthear that with a grain of salt
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is "take something with a grain of salt" formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in both speech and writing.
- Does it mean you do not believe something at all?
- No. It means you are not fully convinced and want to stay cautious.
- Can I use it in academic writing?
- Yes, but it is more common in general writing than in formal research.
- What is the difference between this and "be skeptical"?
- "Be skeptical" is stronger. This idiom sounds milder and more natural.