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exception that proves the rule

The rare occurrence of a counterexample to a rule, used to underscore that the rule exists

Etymology:

  • It is derived from the medieval Latin legal principle: exceptio probat regulam in casibus non exceptis.
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Submitted on July 07, 2010

Additional definitions for 'exception that proves the rule':

exception that proves the ruleA form of argument in which the existence of a counterexample to a rule is used to demonstrate the fact that a rule exists.
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"例外がルールを証明する"

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to exception that proves the rule

rule overrule of thumbrule outbright-line rulerule inrule the dayas a ruleas a rulerule outmonitored by exceptionbright-line rulegolden rulenasciturus ruleground rule

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