I've never really understood what people mean when they say "The exception that proves the rule." Can anyone help?
2006-12-14 15:04:31 · 4 answers · asked by Donna M 6 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Wow, that was fast :)
Thanks so much, guys. That's been bothering me for ages!
2006-12-14 15:33:17 · update #1
Expression - a word pr phrase that has a praticular meaning : eg What does the expression 'by yourself' mean ?.
- the way that your face shows how you feel : eg The doctor's expression was serious.*
2006-12-14 19:03:44 · answer #1 · answered by blacktulip_raine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alan Bliss, in A Dictionary of Words and Phrases in Current English, has the following to say about the origin of this phrase: "Exception probat regulam [Lat.], the exception proves the rule. A legal maxim of which the complete text is: exceptio probat [or (con)firmat] regulam in casibus non exceptis--`the fact that certain exceptions are made (in a legal document) confirms that the rule is valid in all other cases.'"
Another way of saying it: If you prohibit something in certain cases, you imply that the rest of the time it's permitted.
For example: A parking sign that says "No parking between 7:00am to 8:30am." The rule implied is that parking is permitted any time but the exception. That exception being between 7:00am and 8:30am.
2006-12-14 23:27:52 · answer #2 · answered by geeketta 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Proves Is another word for test. As in The Proving Grounds or the testing grounds. So The Exception tests the rule to see if it will stand up.
2006-12-14 23:07:21 · answer #3 · answered by Agnon L 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Agnon L is right - "proves" means "tests" in this phrase
2006-12-14 23:16:28 · answer #4 · answered by hot.turkey 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋