IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
take with a pinch of salt
idiom/teɪk wɪð ə ˌpɪntʃ əv ˈsɔːlt/Band 8
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“take with a pinch of salt” is a Band 8 idiom that means to regard information as likely to be exaggerated or untrue. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
To regard information as likely to be exaggerated or untrue.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “Take online reviews with a pinch of salt.”
- “I'd take that statistic with a pinch of salt.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
be sceptical ofdoubt
Antonyms
take at face value
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
take something with a pinch of salt
Common phrases
with a pinch of salt
Related idioms
take with a pinch of salt
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “take with a pinch of salt” mean?
To regard information as likely to be exaggerated or untrue.
How do you use “take with a pinch of salt” in a sentence?
For example: “Take online reviews with a pinch of salt.”
What are some synonyms for “take with a pinch of salt”?
Synonyms include be sceptical of, doubt.
Is “take with a pinch of salt” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 8 vocabulary, and collocations such as take something with a pinch of salt help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
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