prendere qualcosa con le pinze
Non prendere tutto quello che dice con le pinze, potrebbe esagerare.
Don't take everything he says with a grain of salt, he might be exaggerating.
To treat something as questionable or not entirely trustworthy; to be skeptical about the truth or reliability of something.
Prendi sempre le sue promesse con le pinze: non mantiene mai la parola.
Always take his promises with a grain of salt—he never keeps his word.
Ho letto la notizia online, ma la prendo con le pinze perché non è una fonte affidabile.
I read the news online, but I'm taking it with a grain of salt because it's not a reliable source.
Often used when referring to rumors, exaggerated claims, or information from untrustworthy sources.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use this idiom
Use 'prendere qualcosa con le pinze' when you want to express skepticism about information, especially if it comes from an unreliable source, sounds too good to be true, or is likely exaggerated.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. figurative meaning
The literal meaning involves handling something delicate with tweezers, while the figurative meaning is about being cautious with information that may not be trustworthy.
Usage Notes
The phrase literally means 'to take something with tweezers,' implying that the information is delicate or potentially harmful if handled carelessly. It suggests caution in accepting something at face value.