The idiomatic expression "to be an exception to the rule" means that someone or something is not following a general pattern, but rather stands out as unique or different.
Full definition
While there may
always be an exception to the rule, understanding your geographical limits when you establish your online dating profile keeps you from wasting your time and that of others.
That figure currently stands at 40 and while there have
been exceptions to this rule only three times over period have a team with a team with 45 + finished in the top 4.