make an exception

Idioms

Exempt someone or something from a general rule or practice, as in Because it's your birthday, I'll make an exception and let you stay up as late as you want. This expression was first recorded about 1391.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Athletes are permitted to express their views in press conferences and on social media, and on Tuesday the IOC said it would "make an exception" for Heraskevych, allowing him to wear a plain black armband during competition.

From Barron's

Retiree Werner Strub agreed that "the conditions are so unusual that you can make an exception, because hospitals are full of people with fractures."

From Barron's

Though he, like everyone else, was prepared to make an exception for Ms. Pfister, who was—as previously stated—the worst animal you could be.

From Literature

But when Koepka applied for reinstatement, the PGA Tour’s new leadership didn’t just make an exception and welcome him back with open arms.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I spoke to him yesterday and as I usually never say anything about what we talk about, I am not going to make an exception now," added Slot.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023