with a pinch of salt
Definition
Meaning: With a pinch of salt means to view something with a degree of scepticism or not to take it too literally or seriously.
La signification : L'expression anglaise with a pinch of salt, qui signifie "avec un peu de scepticisme" ou "avec réserve", est utilisée quand on ne prend pas quelque chose au pied de la lettre.
Example: When he said he could run a marathon in two hours, I took it with a pinch of salt.
Grammar: Idiom. Typically used after verbs like "take" or "accept" (e.g., "take it with a pinch of salt").
Quote: "Any statistics about social media engagement should be taken with a pinch of salt." [@DailyMaverick]
N.B.: The phrase originates from the Latin "cum grano salis" (with a grain of salt), suggesting that questionable information needs skepticism to be properly "digested."
Word Analysis
Français
»» Avec réserve
»» En doutant un peu
»» Avec des pincettes
»» En gardant un esprit critique
Il a dit qu'il avait parlé au Président - je prends ça avec des pincettes.
Ces chiffres doivent être considérés avec réserve.
English
»» With skepticism
»» With doubt
»» Not literally
The claim should be taken with a grain of salt.
I always view his stories with some skepticism.
Dialogue
Jasmine: "Apparently, Mark's moving to Hollywood to become a movie star!"
Connor: "Really? I'd take that with a pinch of salt!"
Jasmine: "You're right - last week he said he was joining NASA."
Etymology
Origin: From the Latin phrase "cum grano salis" (with a grain of salt), first appearing in English in the 17th century. Originally referred to literal salt as an antidote to poison, evolving to mean skeptical reception of information.
Modern Usage: Common in both British ("pinch") and American ("grain") English to express healthy skepticism about claims or information.
Grammar Note: Typically follows verbs like "take", "accept", or "view". Can be modified (e.g., "with a large pinch of salt" for extreme skepticism).
Audience
Useful for professionals evaluating information, journalists, or anyone navigating uncertain claims.
When to use: When you want to indicate that information should be viewed critically. Example: "The sales projections should be taken with a pinch of salt given the uncertain market conditions."
Extra! Extra!
For a visual explanation of with a pinch of salt, check out the following videos:
With a pinch of salt: meaning
English idioms: skepticism
Wordreference
For more on our word of the day and its usage, visit WordReference for definitions, translations, and examples in context.
Here are some quick links for further exploration:
» English⇄English – Discuss and learn about words and their usage.
» English⇄French – Explore translations and linguistic nuances.
» Today's word discussion – See how native speakers use this idiom.
Common Expressions & Collocations
With a pinch of salt
To view something skeptically or not take it at face value.
Example: "Take his promises with a pinch of salt - he rarely follows through."
With a grain of salt
The American version of the same expression.
Example: "View those statistics with a grain of salt."
Take with a large pinch of salt
For information that requires extreme skepticism.
Example: "His conspiracy theories should be taken with a large pinch of salt."
Healthy skepticism
A reasonable doubt about the truth of something.
Example: "Approach the claims with healthy skepticism."
Don't take at face value
Don't accept something as it first appears.
Example: "The offer seems good, but don't take it at face value."
Read between the lines
Look for hidden or implied meaning.
Example: "You need to read between the lines in his emails."
Consider the source
Evaluate information based on its origin.
Example: "Before believing the rumor, consider the source."
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