Exception that proves the rule

A desperation tactic used in an argument or debate whereby proof of the speaker's wrongness is somehow held up by the speaker as proof of his rightness.

Manny: I utterly hate homosexuals. They are an affront to God and man. Except for Rick Astley. I could go down on THAT guy all night! I'd same-sex marry him in a heartbeat.

Moe: I thought you said you hated homosexuals?

Manny: Well, he's the exception that proves the rule.

10👍 8👎