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
… 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 experts say many of the claims about the health benefits of these drinks need to be taken with a grain of salt. ABC News, 28 Feb. 2026 But Cramer said investors should take days like this with a grain of salt. Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2026 Now, that order, and any batting order during spring training, should be taken with a grain of salt. Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 23 Feb. 2026 Take the findings with a grain of salt. Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 30 Jan. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grain of salt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grain%20of%20salt. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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