the exception proves the rule
idiomPart ofprove
the exception proves the rule — idiom
1. a saying used when an unusual case or situation actually helps to show that a ge
1.idiom
Definition
a saying used when an unusual case or situation actually helps to show that a general statement or pattern is true in most cases
Example
Most of my students arrive on time, but Emily is always ten minutes late — I guess she is the exception that proves the rule.
The manager pointed out that one bad review among hundreds of glowing ones simply proves the rule.