In the old-fashioned English units of weight, a grain weighs approximately 65 mg, which is about how much table salt a person might pick up between the fingers as a pinch. To take something with a " grain of salt" or " pinch of salt" is an English idiom that suggests to view something, specifically claims that may be misleading or unverified, with skepticism or to not interpret something literally. The pinch of salt variant came much later, around the mid 1900s.Pliny the Elder's Naturalis Historia may be the origin of the phrase. In its current meaning, however, it has been used since the 1600s. It is said that Pliny the Elder translated an ancient antidote for poison in 77 A.D., which recommends taking the antidote with a grain of salt. This great expression, although an ancient one, was not used in its current meaning till much later. The reports painting a rosy scenario of the current economic condition are to be taken with a grain of salt.This piece of news appears to be a blown up account of what actually happened.I’ve heard some reports of his achievements, but I take it with a grain of salt.They are best taken with a grain of salt. ![]() Before elections, all parties make a lot of promises.I’ll take anything he says with a grain of salt.I have read the article, but I take it with a grain of salt.accept, but with some reservations or skepticism.to understand that something is not completely true or right.
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