Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
the 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… … Useful english dictionary
the exception proves the rule — ‘The very fact of an exception proves there must be a rule’ (Brewer); now frequently misunderstood and used to justify inconsistency. Cf. L. exceptio probat regulam in casibus non exceptis, the exception confirms the rule in cases not excepted.… … Proverbs new dictionary
the exception proves the rule — ► the exception proves the rule proverb the fact that some cases do not follow a rule proves that the rule applies in all other cases. Main Entry: ↑exception … English terms dictionary
exception proves the rule, the — A widely misunderstood expression. As a moments thought should confirm, it isn t possible for an exception to confirm a rule but then, that isnt the sense that was originally intended. Prove here is a fossil that is, a word or phrase that is… … Dictionary of troublesome word
exception 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 … Dictionary of American idioms
exception\ 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 … Словарь американских идиом
exception 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… … English Idioms & idiomatic expressions
exception proves the rule — (an exception to the rule) someone or smth which differs from the usual, the normal, or some principle, rule or theory … Idioms and examples
the exception proves the rule — (an exception to the rule) someone or smth which differs from the usual, the normal, or some principle, rule or theory … Idioms and examples
Exception 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… … Wikipedia
