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.
Take the findings with a grain of salt. Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 30 Jan. 2026 But other human-like species besides Homo sapiens were also known to inhabit the area at the time, and some researchers urged people to take the findings with a grain of salt. Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 28 Jan. 2026 Early buzz from the creator event seems positive, though, again, take that with a grain of salt, given what is or isn't supposed to be leaking out right now ahead of the embargo drop. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 That should probably be taken with a grain of salt, but the overall direction of tax policy is more spending and confidence for consumers. Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Grain of salt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grain%20of%20salt. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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