But sometimes, as the saying goes, the exception proves the rule.

The one exception really proves the rule: the story of Arachne.

Mr. Fleischer said that those exceptions proved there was no pattern.

Two large exceptions, in their egregious character, prove that rule.

Tomas snorted, as if those exceptions merely proved his point.

But the exceptions prove the rule, in the sense that over time, the exceptional circumstances tend to disappear.

If the exceptions prove to be widespread, the Soviet economy could get the technology it has long sought.

One exception (and perhaps the Independent as well) proves a general rule.

The few exceptions we found only proved the rule.

However, even these specific statutory exceptions have proven unavailing to knife owners at times.