Idiomatic expressions with grain

The word grain is used in some common idiomatic expressions. Here is a list of them.

Each expression is followed by its meaning or definition. Example sentences are also given.

Ain’t got a grain of sense

If someone ain’t got a grain of sense, they are very foolish.

• You can’t leave your kids in her care. She ain’t got a grain of sense.

Against the grain

Note that this expression is mainly used with the verb go. If something goes against the grain, it runs counter to your feelings. That means, it is not something that you typically do.

• Sam won’t take anything that doesn’t belong to him. It goes against the grain.
• She will never admit that she was wrong. It goes against the grain for her.

A grain of truth

the smallest amount of truth

• If there was even a grain of truth in your statements, I would stand by you.

Take something with a grain of salt / take something with a pinch of salt

To take something with a grain of salt is to doubt its veracity.

• She is adept at telling lies. You must take anything that she says with a grain of salt.
• You can’t trust everything that you read in the newspapers. You must take these rumors with a pinch of salt.