master-cooks | The Macabre Origin Of The Phrase 'Take It With A Grain Of Salt'

The phrase "take it with a grain of salt" has a macabre origin that traces back to ancient times. The expression is believed to have originated from Pliny the Elder, a Roman author, and natural philosopher, in his work "Naturalis Historia" around 77 AD. Pliny described a recipe for an antidote to poison that included a grain of salt, suggesting that the substance could counteract potential toxins. This notion of skepticism towards potentially harmful or dubious claims evolved into the phrase's modern meaning, advising a cautious approach to accepting information. Throughout history, salt has held significant symbolic importance, often associated with purification and protection against evil. In medieval times, it was customary to sprinkle salt over one's shoulder to ward off bad luck or evil spirits. The combination of these historical and cultural contexts contributed to the phrase's evolution into a metaphor for approaching questionable information with a healthy dose of skepticism. Over time, it became a popular idiom in the English language, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and discernment. Despite its dark and ancient origins, the phrase remains relevant today, serving as a reminder to question the validity of information and consider it critically before accepting it as truth.

Salt was thought to be an antidote for poison

To add another layer of complexity, Pliny was not the originator of this concept. Instead, he was recounting the events following the third Mithridatic War, during which Rome triumphed over the Persian Kingdom of Pontus. After defeating Mithridates, the king of Pontus, the Roman general Pompey rummaged through the belongings of the vanquished. Among Mithridates' possessions, Pompey discovered an antidote that, according to Mental Floss, instructed: "Take two dried walnuts, two figs, and 20 leaves of rue; crush them all together, adding a grain of salt." This mixture was believed to safeguard the drinker against poisoning.

There is another narrative regarding the phrase's origin that also involves poison. According to this story, another Roman general (not Pompey) would consume small doses of poison to build up his immunity. To enhance the flavor of the poison, he would sprinkle a grain of salt on each dose. However, this account is not widely accepted due to insufficient evidence, and when considering the contemporary interpretation of the phrase, it seems illogical. After all, a grain of salt serves as an antidote, not a disguise for poison and misinformation. Nevertheless, it’s important to choose the finest salt available.

The modern meaning

Jump ahead to the 17th century, where we encounter one of the earliest (somewhat) contemporary uses of the expression "take with a grain of salt." In his work "Commentary on the Old and New Testaments," John Trapp stated, "this is to be taken with a grain of salt." There has been some discussion regarding Trapp's precise intent, but scholars suggest that he was likely hinting at a meaning similar to today's interpretation of not accepting something at face value. Fast forward a few centuries to 1908, when the American literary journal The Athenaeum employed the phrase to clarify why it would not publish less-than-reliable photographs of early Ireland. Meanwhile, in the U.K., historian F.R. Cowell first introduced the term "pinch of salt" in his 1948 book, "Cicero & the Roman Republic." It appears that when it comes to grains of salt, all paths indeed lead back to Rome.

In contemporary usage, we primarily use the phrase "take with a grain of salt" to indicate that one should not place too much trust in information from dubious sources. These sources can range from unreliable news websites to local gossip, or even one's own inner critic. While a grain of salt may not actually safeguard you from poison, maintaining a healthy level of skepticism is an invaluable tool for navigating the vast array of information in today's world.

The Macabre Origin Of The Phrase 'Take It With A Grain Of Salt'

Salt was thought to be an antidote for poison

The modern meaning

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