The exception that proves the rule
phrase
An anomaly that confirms a general rule.
Almost everyone arrived on time, John was the exception that proves the rule.
Often appears as...
- he is the exception that proves the rule
- this is the exception that proves the rule
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
phrase
An exception that tests and confirms the validity of the rest of the conditions in a rule.
Even the best system has its flaws, highlighting the exception that proves the rule.
Often appears as...
- there's the exception that proves the rule
- it’s the exception that proves the rule
Usage tips
Formal
Technical, Academic
phrase
An anomaly that confirms a general rule.
Almost everyone arrived on time, John was the exception that proves the rule.
Often appears as...
- he is the exception that proves the rule
- this is the exception that proves the rule
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
phrase
An exception that tests and confirms the validity of the rest of the conditions in a rule.
Even the best system has its flaws, highlighting the exception that proves the rule.
Often appears as...
- there's the exception that proves the rule
- it’s the exception that proves the rule
Usage tips
Formal
Technical, Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Sense
Understand it's not literal; it points to unusual cases highlighting a rule's general truth.
In a sea of tech enthusiasts, her indifference to smartphones is the exception that proves the rule.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Justifying Errors
It's not used to excuse mistakes but to emphasize the reliability of a general pattern.
He rarely makes spelling errors, his one mistake was the exception that proves the rule.
Pro Tip 3/3Irony and Surprise
It can express irony or surprise when an unlikely event occurs amidst the usual pattern.
A sunny day in the rainy season could be said to be the exception that proves the rule.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Sense
Understand it's not literal; it points to unusual cases highlighting a rule's general truth.
In a sea of tech enthusiasts, her indifference to smartphones is the exception that proves the rule.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Justifying Errors
It's not used to excuse mistakes but to emphasize the reliability of a general pattern.
He rarely makes spelling errors, his one mistake was the exception that proves the rule.
Pro Tip 3/3Irony and Surprise
It can express irony or surprise when an unlikely event occurs amidst the usual pattern.
A sunny day in the rainy season could be said to be the exception that proves the rule.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Sense
Understand it's not literal; it points to unusual cases highlighting a rule's general truth.
In a sea of tech enthusiasts, her indifference to smartphones is the exception that proves the rule.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Justifying Errors
It's not used to excuse mistakes but to emphasize the reliability of a general pattern.
He rarely makes spelling errors, his one mistake was the exception that proves the rule.
Pro Tip 3/3Irony and Surprise
It can express irony or surprise when an unlikely event occurs amidst the usual pattern.
A sunny day in the rainy season could be said to be the exception that proves the rule.
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