exception proves the rule, the



exception proves the rule, the

An instance that does not obey a rule shows that the rule exists. For example, John's much shorter than average but excels at basketball-the exception proves the rule . This seemingly paradoxical phrase is the converse of the older idea that every rule has an exception. [Mid-1600s]
See also: exception, prove

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
EmeryEM-ə-reeEnglish
ErrolER-əlEnglish
Isidoros-Ancient Greek
Browne[braun]
Marianus-Ancient Roman
AmethystAM-ə-thistEnglish (Rare)