Definition
另当别论 (lìng dāng bié lùn) is a fixed expression meaning 'that is a different matter' or 'should be treated separately'. You use it when comparing two situations and stating that one cannot be judged by the same standard as the other—often after 但 or 可是 to introduce an exception. It is a common chengyu-like phrase in formal and semi-formal discourse.
f.e.
(fixed expression) a different mattersomething that should be regarded as a separate case
Examples
- 另当别论，。Yì liǎng cì kǎoshì bù jígé lìng dāng, dàn yìzhí bù nǔlì jiù chéng wèntí le.Failing one or two exams is a different matter, but if you never work hard, it becomes a real problem.
- ，另当别论。Píngshí wǒ bù chī tiánshí, dàn shēngrì dàngāo lìng dāng.I usually don't eat sweets, but birthday cake is a different story.
- ，另当别论。Pǔtōng yóukè kěyǐ jìnrù, dàn méitǐ rényuán lìng dāng.Regular visitors can enter, but media personnel are a separate matter.
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