What does the saying take with a grain of salt mean?
Definition of ‘to take something with a grain of salt’ If you take something with a grain of salt, you do not believe that it is completely accurate or true.
How do you say take it with a pinch of salt?
Additional synonyms
- sceptically,
- cynically,
- incredulously,
- with a pinch of salt,
- quizzically,
- mistrustfully,
Who said take it with a grain of salt?
Pliny the Elder
Some believe that it originated in ancient times—specifically, in 77 A.D. from Pliny the Elder. It’s believed he used the phrase when translating an antidote for poison, saying to take it with a grain of salt.
Is it take it with a pinch of salt or grain of salt?
“Take it with a grain of salt” is more common in American and Australian English, while “take it with a pinch of salt” is more common in British English.
Where did the phrase take it with a grain of salt come from?
History. Hypotheses of the phrase’s origin include Pliny the Elder’s Naturalis Historia, regarding the discovery of a recipe for an antidote to a poison. In the antidote, one of the ingredients was a grain of salt. Threats involving the poison were thus to be taken “with a grain of salt”, and therefore less seriously.
Where did the term take it with a grain of salt come from?
What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Take with a grain of salt’? The idea comes from the fact that food is more easily swallowed if taken with a small amount of salt. Pliny the Elder translated an ancient text, which some have suggested was an antidote to poison, with the words ‘be taken fasting, plus a grain of salt’.
What is the opposite of taking something with a grain of salt?
Antonyms for with a grain of salt. trustfully, trustingly.
What does it mean to take a pinch?
Definition of in a pinch : in a bad situation when help is needed I can help out in a pinch if you need a babysitter. In a pinch, you can substitute another ingredient in the recipe.