Something unusual that does not follow a rule tests that rule to see if it is true; if there are too many exceptions, the rule is no good. - A proverb. * /Frank is very short but is a good basketball player. He is the exception that proves the rule./
EXCEPTION PROVES THE RULE
Meaning of EXCEPTION PROVES THE RULE in English
Slang English vocab. Английский сленговый словарь. 2012