English

Alternative forms

• exception proves the rule
• the exception proves the rule

Noun

exception that proves the rule

1. A form of argument in which the existence of a counterexample to a rule is used to demonstrate the fact that a rule exists.
2. (idiomatic) The rare occurrence of a counterexample to a rule, used to underscore that the rule exists

Translations

References

• World Wide Words
• “The exception that proves the rule”, The Phrase Finder, Gary Martin.
• The Straight Dope

See also

• the proof of the pudding is in the eating