idiom
take it with a grain of salt
TAYK it with ah GRAYN uv SAWLT
teɪk ɪt wɪð ə ɡreɪn əv sɔːltListen
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Syllable breakdown
takeitwithagrainofsalt
Dictionary meaning
To view something with skepticism or not to interpret it too literally; to take what someone says with some doubt.
History and origin
From the Latin phrase 'cum grano salis' — a small amount of salt was believed to reduce the effect of poison, making something safer to swallow.
Examples
- His travel stories are entertaining, but I'd take them with a grain of salt — he tends to exaggerate.
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