Idiom

take with a pinch of salt

idiom (verb phrase) B2

UK /ˌteɪk wɪð ə ˌpɪntʃ əv ˈsɔːlt/

US /ˌteɪk wɪð ə ˌpɪntʃ əv ˈsɔlt/

Meanings

idiom (verb phrase)

To be skeptical about information and not accept it as completely true.

Definition

To take with a pinch of salt means to not fully believe something and to be cautious about accepting it as true.

If you take something with a pinch of salt, you treat it as possibly exaggerated, biased, or unreliable. You listen or read it, but you do not accept it as completely true without evidence. It is often used for gossip, rumours, claims, or promises. The phrase suggests keeping a skeptical, careful attitude.

Examples

I’d take with a pinch of salt anything he says about his salary.
Take with a pinch of salt the rumours about the new manager.
She said the train would be on time, but I’d take with a pinch of salt that promise.
Take with a pinch of salt the article’s claims until you see the data.
He always exaggerates, so take with a pinch of salt his version of events.

Common mistake

Learners often say "take with a grain of salt" in British contexts instead of the more common British form "take with a pinch of salt."