An Expression that We Get Completely Wrong
rogersgeorge on February 6th, 2023
Last panel. “The exception that proves the rule.”
His meaning is that breaking the rule proves that it’s true. That’s not only incorrect, but it’s not what the expression means.
Back when “exception that proves the rule” was first said, “prove” meant “test.” Breaking a rule tested whether it was really a rule or not. If you got into trouble, yes, it’s a rule. If you get away with it, it’s not really a rule.
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