Englishthe exception that proves the rule
Meaning: A case that breaks a general rule, said as if it showed that the rule normally holds; often used loosely to dismiss a counterexample.
Example: “He's never on time, so his arriving early yesterday was the exception that proves the rule.”
Equivalents in other languages
French: C'est l'exception qui confirme la règle Literally: It's the exception that confirms the rule
Origin: A translation of the Latin legal maxim exceptio probat regulam in casibus non exceptis, "the exception proves the rule in the cases not excepted," drawn from Cicero's speech Pro Balbo (56 BC): an exception that is spelled out implies a rule for every case not mentioned. Probat also meant "tests," and some have read the phrase as "the exception tests the rule," but the legal sense is "confirms." With the second half dropped, the phrase came to be used loosely of any case that does not fit.
More English idioms
- The last straw that broke the camel's back The final small burden that causes a total collapse.
- To have a frog in your throat To have difficulty speaking due to hoarseness.
- It's raining cats and dogs It's raining extremely heavily.
- To have butterflies in your stomach To feel nervous excitement.
- Bob's your uncle And there you have it; simple as that.
- take the biscuit to be the most outrageous or remarkable thing; to win or excel.
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Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.
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