the exception that proves the rule
US /ðɪ ɪkˈsɛpʃən ðæt pruːvz ðə ruːl/
UK /ðɪ ɪkˈsɛpʃən ðæt pruːvz ðə ruːl/

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。