grain of salt

noun phrase

variants or less commonly pinch of salt
: a skeptical attitude
used in the phrase take (something) with a grain/pinch of salt
I take the guidebooks with a grain of salt, preferring to follow my instincts.Daisann McLane
The malleability of memory … is the first reason why autobiographies should be taken with a grain of salt.Judith Rich Harris

Examples of grain of salt in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But of course, that (like all predictions) should be taken with a grain of salt. Brett Owens, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 But everything pertaining to Sasaki should be taken with a grain of salt for now. Zach Pressnell, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024 But since many retail companies now operate in the black at various times of the year, this interpretation should be taken with a grain of salt, experts say. Chris Morris, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2024 Also, take the temperature rating with a grain of salt. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grain of salt 

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grain of salt was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near grain of salt

Cite this Entry

“Grain of salt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grain%20of%20salt. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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