Dictionary of English - exception proves the rule, the

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This is often used to mean that the exception confirms the rule. However, prove in this case means 'test'; the fact that there is an exception implies that the rule may not be valid, or may need some modification. The phrase is perhaps most often used as a more or less meaningless reply to an inconvenient fact: 'You're always late'. 'I was early this morning'. 'Ah, but the exception proves the rule!'.

Green represents agriculture. Red recalls the struggle for independence. Black stands for the Zambian people. Orange symbolizes Zambia's mineral wealth, particularly the major deposits of copper. Effective date: 24 October 1964. >>