Idiom
take with a pinch of salt
Meanings
To view information with skepticism and not accept it as fully true.
Definition
To take with a pinch of salt means to be skeptical and not fully believe something you hear.
If you take something with a pinch of salt, you doubt that it is completely true or accurate. You may think the speaker is exaggerating, guessing, or biased. It suggests cautious listening rather than total rejection.
Examples
- I’d take with a pinch of salt anything he says about his salary.
- Take with a pinch of salt the rumors about the new policy until we see an official statement.
- She told me the restaurant is terrible, but I take with a pinch of salt her reviews.
- You should take with a pinch of salt those online claims about instant weight loss.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or fi…
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.