The rare occurrence of a counterexample to a rule, used to demonstrate that the rule exists.

Usually said in a situation when the rule is incorrect and unusable.

(programming) An exception (error condition) when handled by a debugger, such that the programmer has the first chance to study it; such an exception would otherwise proceed to a handler or (in its absence) crash the program.

plural of first-chance exception

(idiomatic) These negative remarks do not pertain to anyone who is currently listening to them (including the speaker).

plural of exception that proves the rule

plural of exception that proves the rule

Alternative form of there is an exception to every rule

(orthography, mnemonic) In English words that contain the letters I and E together, the I tends to come before the E (ie), except in cases when the two are preceded by the letter C, in which case the E comes before the I (cei).

Alternative letter-case form of I before E, except after C