the exception that proves the rule
US /ðɪ ɪkˈsɛpʃən ðæt pruːvz ðə ruːl/
UK /ðɪ ɪkˈsɛpʃən ðæt pruːvz ðə ruːl/
1.
例外证明规则
a case that does not follow a rule but, by its very existence, shows that the rule is generally true
:
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Most people here are quiet, but John is very outgoing; he's the exception that proves the rule.
这里大多数人都很安静，但约翰非常外向；他就是例外证明规则。
•
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.
我老板通常不允许在家工作，但他今天因为我的预约而允许了。这正是例外证明规则。