另当别论 (lìng dāng) — (fixed expression) a different matter; something that should be regarded as a separate case

Definition

Idiom used to set a case apart from the rule just stated — 'a different matter / a separate case.' Usually follows a contrast like 但 or 然而 to mark an exception.

idiom
(fixed expression) a different mattersomething that should be regarded as a separate case

Examples

  • 另当别论
    Yì liǎng cì kǎo shì bù jí gé lìng dāng, dàn yì zhí bù nǔ lì jiù chéng wèn tí 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
    Píng shí wǒ bù chī tián shí, dàn shēng rì dàn gāo lìng dāng.
    I usually don't eat sweets, but birthday cake is a different story.
  • 另当别论
    Pǔ tōng yóu kè kě yǐ jìn rù, dàn méi tǐ rén yuán lìng dāng.
    Regular visitors can enter, but media personnel are a separate matter.

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