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REFERENCE

with a grain of salt

idiom
Meaning

With a little common sense and skepticism.


Origin

disputed origin

Calque of Latin cum grānō salis , literally with a grain of salt, figuratively with a bit of common sense (from Pliny’s Pompey’s discovery of an antidote against poison to be taken with a grain of salt).

Examples
SIMPLE

Take everything he says with a grain of salt.

CONTEXTUAL

You should take those online reviews with a grain of salt because they are often biased.

COMPLEX

One must take the sensational claims made by political candidates with a grain of salt, as they frequently prioritize persuasion over objective truth.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    Attic salt

    Pointed and delicate wit.

  2. 02

    covenant of salt

    A long-lasting agreement.

  3. 03

    go against the grain

    To defy convention or norms; to do something in a manner that is unusual or out of the ordinary.

  4. 04

    grain of truth

    Synonym of kernel of truth.

  5. 05

    not worth salt

    Worthless.

  6. 06

    old salt

    A seasoned sailor, especially one who is hardy and forthright in manner.

  7. 07

    rub salt in someone's wounds

    To make a painful situation even worse (even with the best of intentions).

  8. 08

    rub salt in the wound

    To aggravate or exacerbate a physical or emotional injury.

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