make an exception
Allow this once
To make an exception is to treat a particular case differently from the usual rule or standard.
Someone who normally refuses requests might make an exception for a friend: I don't usually lend money, but I'll make an exception for you.
The phrase acknowledges that a general policy exists while granting a one-time departure from it.
Provide for or adjust
- bend the rulesInterpret guidelines loosely
- adjustChange to fit better
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- concessionYielding a point
modify · relax · waive · work around · case-by-case · one-time · discretionary · loosen
Departure from the expected
- outlierDistant data point
- one-offSingular, unrepeated instance
- aberrationDeviation from the norm
- departureAct of going away
deviation · special case · edge case · nonstandard · extenuating circumstances · mitigating factors
Official release from punishment
- clemencyMerciful treatment of offenders
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
- indulgenceYielding to desire
reprieve · grace · compassion · understanding · sympathy · amnesty · absolution · mitigation
Formal surrender of rights
- carve-outExempted portion or provision
- exclusionBeing barred from participation
- dispensationOfficial permission to skip rules
- varianceSpread around the mean
privilege · immunity · opt-out · special status · derogation · release · pass · free pass
Lawsuit establishing legal precedent
- slippery slopeArgument predicting inevitable escalation
- floodgatesBarriers controlling water flow
- rulingFormal legal determination
- benchmarkStandard for comparison
accommodate
Provide for or adjust
- bend the rulesInterpret guidelines loosely
- adjustChange to fit better
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
concession · modify · relax · waive · work around · case-by-case · one-time · discretionary · loosen · deviate
anomaly
Departure from the expected
- outlierDistant data point
- one-offSingular, unrepeated instance
- aberrationDeviation from the norm
departure · deviation · special case · edge case · nonstandard · extenuating circumstances · mitigating factors
pardon
Official release from punishment
- clemencyMerciful treatment of offenders
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
indulgence · reprieve · grace · compassion · understanding · sympathy · amnesty · absolution · mitigation · soft-heartedness
waiver
Formal surrender of rights
- carve-outExempted portion or provision
- exclusionBeing barred from participation
- dispensationOfficial permission to skip rules
variance · privilege · immunity · opt-out · special status · derogation · release · pass · free pass · get-out clause
test case
Lawsuit establishing legal precedent
- slippery slopeArgument predicting inevitable escalation
- floodgatesBarriers controlling water flow
- rulingFormal legal determination
- indulgenceindulgence, indulge, indulgent, self-indulgent, overindulgence
make an exceptionfollow the rules
no exceptions · play by the rules · hold the line · stand firm · zero tolerance
make, makes, making, maker, makers, exception, exceptions, exceptional, exceptionally