it's the exception that proves the rule
1Exception that proves the rule — The exception [that] proves the rule is a frequently confused English idiom. The original meaning of this idiom is that the presence of an exception establishes that a general rule exists. Fowler s Modern English Usage identifies five ways in… …
2(the) exception that proves the rule — the exception that proves the ˈrule idiom (saying) people say that sth is the exception that proves the rule when they are stating sth that seems to be different from the normal situation, but they mean that the normal situation remains true in… …
3exception that proves the rule — This expression is used by many to indicate that an exception in some way confirms a rule. Others say that the exception tests the rule. In its original legal sense, it meant that a rule could sometimes be inferred from an exemption or exception …
4exception that proves the rule — noun a) A form of argument in which the existence of a counterexample to a rule is used to demonstrate the fact that a rule exists. b) The rare occurrence of a counterexample to a rule, used to underscore that the rule exists …
5be the exception that proves the rule — if you say something is the exception that proves the rule, you mean that although it does not support the statement you have made, the statement is usually true. This woman is the exception that proves the rule that it is impossible to be a… …
6exception proves the rule — Something unusual that does not follow a rule tests that rule to see if it is true; if there are too many exceptions, the rule is no good. A proverb. * /Frank is very short but is a good basketball player. He is the exception that proves the rule …
7exception proves the rule — Something unusual that does not follow a rule tests that rule to see if it is true; if there are too many exceptions, the rule is no good. A proverb. * /Frank is very short but is a good basketball player. He is the exception that proves the rule …
8exception\ proves\ the\ rule — proverb Something unusual that does not follow a rule tests that rule to see if it is true; if there are too many exceptions, the rule is no good. Frank is very short but is a good basketball player. He is the exception that proves the rule …
9exception proves the rule — If something is different from a general belief or theory, it shows that the belief or theory is true. Most teenagers love fast food, but Ben is the exception that proves the rule he s the only one of our children who insists on healthy… …
10the exception proves the rule — 1. The existence of an exception to a supposed rule proves the general truth of the rule (often used in argument when no such conclusion is justified) 2. A distorted translation of a part of a legal Latin phrase meaning ‘the making of an… …