158. F. Encyclopaedia Americana (1969) A form of expression peculiar to a language and based on popular usage rather than on normal grammatical or logical construction. Idioms cannot be translated literally into other languages. If Having seen sufficiently enough modern definitions and descriptions of the word & concept of “Idiom*, it will be surely appropriate to look back the ancient Tamil grammarians as to what they have to say about this peculiar variety of phrases in the language. Although they have not given a special name to such a variety they appear to have identified them in many forms. Tolkāppiam (C. 450 B.C.),” the earliest and unique Tamil grammar of ianguage, literature and life (alí in one) has two pertinent references to the concept of idioms. They are as follows:7 岑 滚 郑 2.5.3. They say that the knowing of the object” is of two ways-directly and by suggestion.” . 烹 密 率 3.8.177. The ‘Kurippu' is, they say, that which suggests meanings,” other than what the words indicate plainly.” Three more sutras in Tolkappiam are also of great relevance. They are as follows: × 岑 ※ 2.1.17. The words of propriety in usage are not forbidden even if they are against the rules of grammar.” 岑 炭 : 2.3.31. They are those which denote that have connection with them and those which denote that have no connection with
