the exception that proves the rule

US /ðɪ ɪkˈsɛpʃən ðæt pruːvz ðə ruːl/
UK /ðɪ ɪkˈsɛpʃən ðæt pruːvz ðə ruːl/
"the exception that proves the rule" picture
1.

例外證明規則

a case that does not follow a rule but, by its very existence, shows that the rule is generally true

:
Most people here are quiet, but John is very outgoing; he's the exception that proves the rule.
這裡大多數人都很安靜,但約翰非常外向;他就是例外證明規則
My boss usually doesn't allow working from home, but he let me today because of my appointment. It's the exception that proves the rule.
我老闆通常不允許在家工作,但他今天因為我的預約而允許了。這正是例外證明規則