exception that proves the rule

== English == === Etymology === Derived from the medieval Latin legal principle "exceptio probat regulam in casibus non exceptis" ("the exception tests the rule in the cases not excepted"). === Pronunciation === === Noun === exception that proves the rule (plural exceptions that prove the rule or exceptions that prove rules) The rare occurrence of a counterexample to a rule, used to demonstrate that the rule exists. ==== Related terms ==== exception proves the rule the exception proves the rule ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== === References === Gary Martin (1997–), “The exception that proves the rule”, in The Phrase Finder, retrieved 26 February 2017. Michael Quinion (September 14, 2002), “Exception that proves the rule”, in World Wide Words. The Straight Dope === Anagrams === exceptions that prove the rule