It's the exception that "proves" the rule. In this saying proves means tests (an OE usage). So the saying actually means that the "rule" can be considered true only after it has been tested and shown to be sound. The usage is the same as in the other OE saying "the proof of the pudding is in the tasting", which means that things may look ok on their face but must be tested (proofed) before they can be declared so.
Can't help it....Jesuit HS.
""the proof of the pudding is in the tasting", which means that things may look ok on their face but must be tested (proofed) before they can be declared so."Does this mean that you can't have your cake and eat it too?
I can't help it either, I just love old sayings.