take it with a grain of salt

You usually use it as an advice or a disclaimer. You can say, I take his advice with a grain of salt. It acts like a verb phrase. You can also use it to warn others. Tell your friend, Take what she says with a grain of salt. It fits perfectly when discussing rumors or news. It shows you are a critical thinker.

Use it when talking about gossip at the office. Use it when reading reviews for a cheap hotel. It is great for political news or celebrity rumors. If your uncle always exaggerates his fishing stories, use it then. It works well in meetings when discussing unverified data. It is a very versatile tool for your social kit.

Don't use it for serious, proven facts. If a doctor gives you a diagnosis, don't say you'll take it with a grain of salt. That would be quite rude! Avoid it in very emotional moments. If a friend confesses their love, don't bring up salt. It can sound dismissive if used for someone's deep feelings. Keep it for opinions and unverified claims.

This phrase is incredibly old. It supposedly comes from an ancient Roman recipe for an antivenom. The idea was that poison is less deadly if swallowed with salt. Over centuries, the 'poison' became 'lies' or 'exaggerations.' In the UK, people often say a pinch of salt instead. Both versions mean the exact same thing. It reflects a Western cultural value of healthy skepticism.

In American English, grain is the standard word. In British English, you will almost always hear pinch. Sometimes people say take it with a heavy dose of salt. This means you should barely believe it at all! You might also hear someone say I'm skeptical as a plain alternative. But the salt version is much more colorful.