IDIOMS BETWEEN INFLEXIBILITY AND CREATIVITY

Abstract

Idiom-variation data question the strict dichotomy between the creativity principle and the
idiom principle. Rather than leading to a strict opposition between regular standard constructions and irregular idiomatic constructions, idiomatic creativity implies that idiom production and comprehension are subject to a dynamic tension between the two principles. This further suggests that idioms cannot merely be described as lexical items; rather, they seem to occupy a position between the lexicon and syntax, leading to a fuzzy dividing line between the productive and reproductive aspects of linguistic competence