Exception Proves Rule

Commenters repeatedly use the idiom 'the exception that proves the rule' (or variations) to dismiss counterexamples and affirm general rules across diverse discussions.

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Keywords

accountingtools.com OP exceptions rule exception proves prove bugs extraordinary earnings episode scenario

Sample Comments

JKCalhoun • Nov 14, 2024 • View on HN

Perhaps the exceptions that prove the rule then.

DonHopkins • Feb 14, 2020 • View on HN

That's the exception that proves the rule.

leoc • Jun 3, 2021 • View on HN

Talk about the exception that proves the rule, though!

compay • Mar 5, 2009 • View on HN

Yup, exceptions that prove the rule.

sharemywin • Aug 8, 2023 • View on HN

yep the exception that proves the rule.

run4yourlives • Mar 17, 2008 • View on HN

Well, there's always an exception to the rule. :-)

moolcool • Oct 3, 2023 • View on HN

I'd consider that an exception that proves the rule

sixQuarks • Mar 1, 2016 • View on HN

There's always an exception to the rule.

kube-system • May 30, 2023 • View on HN

That's an exception, not the general rule.

legends2k • Jun 25, 2025 • View on HN

Sure, there are always exceptions but they're only that, exceptions.