with a grain of salt

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some economists and policymakers say they routinely consult consumer surveys even if they take the results with a grain of salt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

It’s also wise to take coworkers’ investing stories with a grain of salt, said Mark La Spisa, a CFP based in Barrington, Ill. “I always warn people about relying on others’ reported returns,” he says.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

While China hit its growth target last year, it should be taken with "a grain of salt", as other data suggests a weaker economic picture, said Georgetown University policy researcher Ning Leng.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

I take that with a grain of salt but, hey, I’m up for anything.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

Since Rose-Ivy took everything she heard with a grain of salt, she didn’t think the story about the haint made sense.

From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney