exception that proves the rule
Outlier validates norm
The phrase originally meant an exception that *tests* the rule—from Latin *probare*, to test.
If someone says "No parking on Sundays," the exception proves a rule exists for other days.
In modern use, people often cite it loosely when an exception seems to confirm a general pattern, though logically this makes little sense: He's the exception that proves the rule.
- as a ruleIn most instances
- outlierDistant data point
- quirkPeculiar behavioral trait
- anomalyDeparture from the expected
- black swanDark-feathered Australian waterfowl
aberration · norm · idiom · loophole · misquotation · paradox · semantics · pragmatics · inconsistency · fluke · deviation · axiom · oddity · edge case · rarity · custom · inference · principle
exception that proves the rulecounterexample
Instance disproving a claim
refutation · fatal flaw · smoking gun · disproof · falsification
exception that proves the ruletextbook example
Ideal illustrative instance
case in point · typical case · exemplar · proof positive · corroborating evidence
exception, exceptions, exceptional, exceptionally, except, excepted, excepting, proves, proved