4 ms·
> that is case where the exception proves the rule. On the contrary, I think this exception disproves the rule.
by HL33tibCe7 4y ago
> that is case where the exception proves the rule.
On the contrary, I think this exception disproves the rule.
- thfuran 4y agoYeah, there are some dumb sayings, but I really think that one tops the list.
- Aachen 4y agoI've never understood it actually. What does the author mean when using "proves the rule", is it somehow proving it by it being a clear exception with special circumstances (somehow that rarely seems the case) or are they just acknowledging the incorrectness of the rule in a joke-y manner?
- celeritascelery 4y ago> is it somehow proving it by it being a clear exception with special circumstances Essentially yes. I would wager that if Putin could go back in time, he would not invade Ukraine. The economic consequences have been too severe. It really serves as a warning to other countries. So Russia is now an exception to the “McDonald’s rule”, but it proves why the rule is generally true.
- rufus_foreman 4y agoThe original usage would be to describe something like a sign that says "No Parking on Sundays" as being proof that parking is allowed on other days. Typically when it is used now it means "I'm wrong but I'm still right".
- Aachen 4y agoOh! That actually makes a lot of sense now. Thanks :)