English Idiom – Take something with a pinch of salt or Take something with a grain of salt.
Meaning – To listen to a story or explanation of something with reasonable doubt. To view something with skepticism. If you take something with a grain or pinch of salt then you do not automatically believe something is true, you listen with common sense and don’t take it literally.
- Pinch of salt is the preferred British English expression.
- Grain of salt is the preferred American English expression.
- This is an important idiom to remember today. In the era of fake news, biased media and untrustworthy politicians it is important to take everything with a pinch of salt. If you are reading something on the internet – take it with a pinch of salt!
The idiom salt of the earth can be used to describe someone who is simple, honest and worthy.
Usage:
When could you use this idiom?
- If you believe that someone is not being totally honest with you.
- A dishonest politician is making a speech.
- You are reading a story in a newspaper that is known for being biased in some way.
- A story on the Internet makes an outlandish claim.
Example:
- “Did you listen to the speech last night? It was very good but you have to take everything she says with a pinch of salt. She’s lied before and she’s been caught red-handed!”
In The News:
Discuss:
- Is there an idiom like this in your country?
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.
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