prendere qualcosa con le pinze

/ˈprɛn.dɛ.re koˈzɛn.ka kon le ˈpin.tse/
phrase★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To approach or consider something with skepticism or caution, not taking it at face value.
Literal Meaning
To take something with tweezers
Literal Breakdown
prendereto take+qualcosasomething+con le pinzewith tweezers
◇ Mental Image
The mental image of carefully handling something delicate or potentially dangerous with tweezers, symbolizing caution and skepticism.
◈ When to Use
A friend tells you about a new investment opportunity, and you respond, 'Non prendere tutto quello che dice con le pinze, ma verifica i fatti.' (Don't take everything he says with a grain of salt, but verify the facts.)
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the Italian cultural tendency to be cautious and skeptical, especially when dealing with new or unverified information.
informal

To approach or consider something with skepticism or caution, not taking it at face value.

Non prendere tutto quello che dice con le pinze, ma verifica i fatti.

Don't take everything he says with a grain of salt, but verify the facts.

💡

This idiom is commonly used when someone is being overly cautious or doubtful about information or claims.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

prendere con le pinzeidiom
To take something with a grain of salt

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This idiom is best used when you want to express skepticism about something without being overly confrontational.

📖Word Origin

The phrase originates from the literal action of using tweezers to handle something delicate or potentially dangerous, metaphorically extending to handling information or claims with care.

📝Usage Notes

This expression is often used in informal conversations to express doubt or caution about someone's statements or claims.

Word Breakdown

prendere
to take
verb
+
qualcosa
something
noun
+
con le pinze
with tweezers
phrase
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese