Take it with a grain of salt
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
To view something skeptically or not fully believe it, accepting it with caution due to possible exaggeration or unreliability. It suggests tempering trust.
Origin
From ancient Rome, Pliny the Elder's 77 CE 'Naturalis Historia' mentions a poison antidote taken 'with a grain of salt' to make it tolerable-figuratively easing belief. Medieval scholars like John Trisa in 1362 twisted this into 'cum grano salis' for skepticism. By the 17th century, English adopted it, as in a 1647 text doubting tales 'with a grain of salt. ' It reflects a long tradition of questioning authority, flavored by salt's everyday value.
Variants
- Grain of salt
- Take it with salt
Usage Examples
- Take his promises with a grain of salt; he rarely follows through.
- I took the gossip with a grain of salt until I saw proof.
- She said it's the best car ever, but take that with a grain of salt.
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