with a bucket of salt

USAGE SUMMARY

"with a bucket of salt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom that is often used to emphasize the skeptical attitude one has towards something. For example, "Rachel refused to believe the news, taking it with a bucket of salt".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But it also needs taking with a bucket of salt.

The Guardian

But grand plans, like denials, need to be taken with a bucket of salt.

The Economist

Those numbers come from the company's internal metrics, though, so I take them with a bucket of salt.

The New Yorker

But that number should be taken with a bucket of salt, as estimates are still being revised lower.

The Economist

Information about what's really happening in North Korea should always be taken with a bucket of salt.

BBC

Again, unless we get an Apple cease and desist I'm going to ask you to take this with a bucket of salt and a fresh batch of rumor cookies server up with some GTFO juice.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The kitchen, however, is quite messy – there are pots and pans everywhere, scattered between cardboard boxes and a bucket of salt.

Vice

Jonathan Loynes, chief European economist at consultancy Capital Economics, said: "The ECB has comprehensively failed to live up to its own hype and markets and forecasters will take future communications from Mr Draghi and colleagues with a corresponding bucket of salt".

The Guardian - Business

Mark Carney, the Bank's governor, bridled at suggestions that the MPC doesn't really have a clue about what's going on and that therefore any guidance the Bank gave about the future path of interest rates should be taken with a bucket load of salt.

The Guardian - Business

Get a bucket of sidewalk salt and carefully sprinkle a path to the sidewalk with it.

WikiHow

In John Doyle's revival of Sweeney Todd, death came gut-wrenchingly with a bucket of red blood poured into another bucket.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with a bucket of salt" when you want to strongly suggest that information should be viewed skeptically, but avoid using it in formal or professional settings where a more neutral tone is preferred.

Common error

While "with a bucket of salt" effectively conveys skepticism, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive or informal. Vary your language by using synonyms like "with considerable skepticism" or "do not fully believe" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "with a bucket of salt" functions as an adverbial modifier, expressing the manner in which something should be received or considered. Ludwig AI confirms that it suggests a skeptical or doubtful approach to information, implying that it should not be taken at face value.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "with a bucket of salt" is a colorful way to express significant skepticism. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its usage primarily in news and media contexts. While effective in conveying doubt, remember that it can be too informal for professional or scientific writing. Consider using alternatives like "with a grain of salt" or "with considerable skepticism" based on your desired tone. Keep in mind its primary function: to warn the audience to critically evaluate information and be cautious of potential exaggeration or unreliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a grain of salt

A more common and less intense version of the idiom, suggesting mild skepticism.

with a pinch of salt

Suggests even less skepticism than "with a grain of salt".

with considerable skepticism

A more formal way to express doubt or disbelief.

do not fully believe

Directly states a lack of complete trust or belief.

treat with suspicion

Emphasizes a cautious and distrustful approach.

regard with doubt

Highlights the presence of uncertainty and questioning.

take it lightly

Suggests not taking something too seriously due to potential inaccuracy.

question its validity

Formally expresses doubt about the truth or accuracy of something.

be wary of

Advises caution and alertness to potential deception or falsehood.

remain unconvinced

Indicates a state of not being persuaded or won over.

FAQs

What does it mean to take something "with a bucket of salt"?

Taking something "with a bucket of salt" means to not fully believe it or to view it with considerable skepticism. It implies that the information may be exaggerated, untrue, or unreliable.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "with a bucket of salt"?

It's appropriate in informal contexts when you want to express strong doubt about something. However, it may not be suitable for formal writing or professional communication where a more neutral tone is preferred. Consider using "with considerable skepticism" in formal writing.

What are some alternatives to saying "with a bucket of salt"?

Alternatives include "with a grain of salt" (less intense), "with considerable skepticism" (more formal), or simply stating that you "do not fully believe" the information.

Is "with a bucket of salt" the same as "with a grain of salt"?

No, "with a bucket of salt" is a more emphatic version of "with a grain of salt". Both express skepticism, but "with a bucket of salt" suggests a higher degree of doubt. You would use "with a grain of salt" when the skepticism is less intense.