“the rule”

We have one entry that includes the term the rule.

the exception rather than the rule

noun phrase

: not common or usual : not often done, seen, or happening : rare

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Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
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Another Great British Vocabulary Quiz, Innit? A double-decker quiz with words from across the pond