take with a pinch of salt

    idiomBand 8informal

    UKteɪk wɪð ə ˌpɪntʃ əv ˈsɔːlt
    USteɪk wɪð ə pɪntʃ ʌv sɔːlt

    To regard information as likely to be exaggerated or untrue.

    A pinch of sea salt flakes on a tiny wooden spoon above a small dish of salt, beside a folded newspaper with blurred print
    Add a pinch of salt: take a story with a pinch of salt when it may not be fully true.

    Take online reviews with a pinch of salt.

    I'd take that statistic with a pinch of salt.

    Goes with

    Words that go with take with a pinch of salt: take something with a pinch of salt; with a pinch of salt.

    Similar and opposite

    Similar
    be sceptical ofdoubt

    Check yourself

    1 of 4

    Which picture shows take with a pinch of salt?

    Next step

    Use “take with a pinch of salt” in a real Speaking test

    Try the AI examiner