Notes & Queries Archive
REPLY1851

Cum Grano Salis

By C. B.

*Cum Grano Salis* (Vol. iii., p. 88.) simply means, with a grain of allowance; spoken of propositions which require qualification. The Cambridge man's explanation, therefore, does not suit the meaning. I have always supposed that salis was added to denote a small grain. I find in Forcellini that the Romans called a small flaw in crystals *sal*.

Topics: Latin Phrases, Roman Terminology

Locations: Cambridge