破例（pò lì）

Pronunciation: pò lì

Basic Meaning: to make an exception; to break a rule or custom

Detailed Explanation: 破例 means to break a rule or custom, usually in exceptional circumstances. It implies deviating from the usual practice or making an exception for a specific situation.

Usage Scenarios:

1. When someone wants to make an exception or break a rule, they can use this idiom to express their intention.

2. It can be used to describe a situation where someone deviates from the norm or goes against the established rules.

Story Origin: The idiom comes from the practice of breaking a rule or custom in a specific situation, which is not usually allowed. It reflects the flexibility and adaptability of Chinese culture.

Structure of the Idiom: 破 (pò) means "to break" or "to destroy," and 例 (lì) means "rule" or "custom."

Example Sentences:

1. 他破例給了我一個機會。 (Tā pò lì gěi le wǒ yī gè jī huì.) - He made an exception and gave me a chance.

2. 在這個特殊情況下，我們可以破例允許他提前離開。 (Zài zhè gè tè shū qíng kuàng xià, wǒ men kě yǐ pò lì yǔn xiǔ tā tí qián lí kāi.) - In this special situation, we can make an exception and allow him to leave early.

Memory Techniques:

1. Associate the sound of "破例" with the English word "polarize." Both words start with the letter "p" and have a similar sound.

2. Create a mental image of breaking a glass (破) to make an exception (例). Visualize yourself breaking a glass to symbolize breaking a rule or custom.

Extended Learning:

1. Research other idioms related to rules or customs in Chinese culture.

2. Explore different scenarios in which making an exception is necessary or beneficial.

Example Sentences from Different Age Groups:

1. Children (age 8-12):

- 今天老師破例給我們放了一天假。 (Jīn tiān lǎo shī pò lì gěi wǒ men fàng le yī tiān jià.) - Today, the teacher made an exception and gave us a day off.

- 媽媽破例讓我吃了一塊巧克力。 (Mā mā pò lì ràng wǒ chī le yī kuài qiǎo kè lì.) - Mom made an exception and let me have a piece of chocolate.

2. Teenagers (age 13-18):

- 我們班級破例舉辦了一次聚會。 (Wǒ men bān jí pò lì jǔ bàn le yī cì jù huì.) - Our class made an exception and organized a party.

- 老師破例讓我們延長了圖書館的開放時間。 (Lǎo shī pò lì ràng wǒ men yán cháng le tú shū guǎn de kāi fàng shí jiān.) - The teacher made an exception and allowed us to extend the opening hours of the library.

3. Adults (age 19 and above):

- 公司破例給了我一個特殊的獎勵。 (Gōng sī pò lì gěi le wǒ yī gè tè shū de jiǎng lì.) - The company made an exception and gave me a special reward.

- 他們破例允許了我們提前結束會議。 (Tā men pò lì yǔn xiǔ le wǒ men tí qián jié shù huì yì.) - They made an exception and allowed us to end the meeting early.