If you've shared information that wasn't completely verified, you might have informed your audience to " consider it cautiously This time-honored phrase has existed for such an extensive period that many of us are unable to uncover its origins or elucidate why we're even discussing salt in the first place.
To uncover the details, I consulted with two linguistics experts. Continue reading for an insight into this topic. everyday idiom By the time you finish, you'll have gained valuable knowledge and insight...and you'll be thoroughly seasoned.
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What does consider it cautiously mean?
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) provides the following definition for consider it cautiously As "to agree with a statement while still maintaining some skepticism."
By using this expression, you're prompting someone to approach the details with skepticism instead of accepting them outright. This is done when we're unsure about the accuracy or reliability of the information or guidance being offered—basically signaling, "So keep your doubts handy."
Can you provide some instances of how to utilize this expression?
Looking to alert others to stay cautious? Consider these methods:
- Of course, these preliminary figures seem encouraging, yet we ought to view them cautiously till the complete sales report comes through.
- That 'miracle diet' seems too good to be true—consider your wellness coach's recommendation cautiously.
- The meteorologist mentioned that it shouldn’t rain today, however, I'd be skeptical about that prediction and carry an umbrella just in case.
- According to TMZ, the 'it' pair is reportedly engaged, however, consider this information cautiously until they confirm it by updating their Instagram.
- I would exit that poisonous work environment and search for a new position. However, I'm not a professional counselor, so consider my suggestion cautiously.
- My aunt strongly believes in this magical cure for the flu. However, I would approach it cautiously—perhaps along with some proper medication.
- Initial online feedback for that application is quite positive, however, I suspect these comments might be coming from company staff, hence I would view them cautiously.
Where does this phrase come from?
The The interpretation of this phrase has changed over time. Over time, however, its origins trace back to the Roman Empire. In this section, we will outline the history and contemporary usage of the familiar saying.
The ancient meaning
In his book Natural History In approximately 77 C.E., Pliny the Elder recounted the tale of how General Pompey discovered the recipe that King Mithridates VI had utilized to protect himself from various poisons.
Grind together two desiccated walnuts, two dried figs, and twenty leaves of rue. Include a pinch of salt in your mixture. If someone consumes this blend on an empty stomach, they will be protected from all toxins for that entire day.
This particular account indicates that adding salt could help make the antidote simpler to ingest. Pliny utilized the Latin phrase addito salis grano ("after adding a pinch of salt"), as per the grammatical structure used in contemporary European languages, which evolved into cum grano salis ("take with a pinch of salt"). As per Michael Adams, PhD, an educator specializing in English and linguistics at Indiana University, "that particular Latin expression," cum grano salis , is used all over the place” in ancient texts, “until it finally gets translated into English.”
The modern meaning
According to the OED, the earliest use of this phrase was consider it cautiously In its metaphorical (as opposed to direct) sense, this term was first documented in 1647. However, how did we progress from Pliny’s application to the current use? idiom’s current meaning of being skeptical?
Our forefathers might have believed that the notion of adding salt to render poison more palatable could be likened to exercising care when dealing with dubious data. However, "establishing a clear link proves challenging," according to Laurel Brinton, PhD, who is a retired professor from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.
Still, there is During the Renaissance, she explains, "there was significant interest in [classical works]. As a result, many of these classical or semiformal texts were brought back into prominence. They may have encountered Pliny the Elder" and thus revisited the phrase.
Although the OED cites two instances of documented usage of consider it cautiously In the 17th century, following this period, the expression appears to vanish until the latter part of the 19th century. The reason for its resurgence remains unclear. "I don't believe we truly understand what makes some phrases become commonplace while others fade," Brinton explains. "This likely hinges on factors such as which individuals adopt the term, their level of influence, along with the extent to which it gains acceptance and widespread usage."
Why does it only take one grain of salt?
As for why the saying mentions only a solitary grain of salt, 'You'd have to inquire with Pliny,' Adams quips. However, since a version of this phrase includes, consider it cautiously He thinks that others must have raised this question previously. "It surely requires more salt than that," he remarks, "not merely a single grain of skepticism but an entire pinch."
Another potential route from Pliny's grain of salt leads us to this variant. "In cooking, we frequently employ a pinch of salt," hence pinch of salt got substituted for grain of salt Here," Adams states. "For certain individuals, that's called a mistake For others, that simply represents an evolution in how people employ the term."
What are some alternatives for this expression?
Below are twelve alternative methods to encourage someone to approach information with skepticism.
- See it to believe it.
- Consider the source.
- Do not take everything at face value when you listen.
- Don't accept it entirely without question.
- Don't consider it absolute truth.
- Don't accept things superficially.
- Don’t count on it lasting.
- Everything isn't always what it appears to be.
- Read between the lines.
- It seems almost too good to be real.
- Take it lightly.
- The truth goes beyond first impressions.
The next time you come across something that seems too amazing to be true, keep this in mind: No matter whether you take the information with a grain of salt or an entire pinch, maintaining a bit of skepticism won’t harm you.
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Sources:
- Michael Adams , a professor specializing in English and linguistics at Indiana University Bloomington; conducted via telephone on January 31, 2025
- Laurel Brinton , professor emerita specializing in both English historical and contemporary linguistics at the University of British Columbia located in Vancouver, Canada; conducted via telephone interview on January 31, 2025
- Oxford English Dictionary : “Salt”
- University of Chicago Pliny the Elder's Naturalis Historia — Book 7
- World Wide Words : “Pinch of Salt”
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