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
I take the guidebooks with a grain of salt, preferring to follow my instincts.—
Daisann McLane
Daisann McLaneThe malleability of memory … is the first reason why autobiographies should be taken with a grain of salt.—Judith Rich Harris
Judith Rich HarrisExamples of grain of salt in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Take any such rumors with a hefty grain of salt.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Let’s take that with a grain of salt.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
Considering Prince Harry has the means for a hair transplant, however, these reports must surely be taken with a grain of salt.
—Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 19 Oct. 2025
Since these are early leaks, take them with a grain of salt and expect details to change over time.
—PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grain of salt
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.
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
Let’s take that with a grain of salt.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
Considering Prince Harry has the means for a hair transplant, however, these reports must surely be taken with a grain of salt.
—Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 19 Oct. 2025
Since these are early leaks, take them with a grain of salt and expect details to change over time.
—PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grain of salt
Cite this Entry
“Grain of salt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grain%20of%20salt. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share