But it is anyone's guess what will happen next, in a year that has seemed to defy conventional wisdom at almost every turn.

The album's success defies the conventional wisdom of the record business.

"That is partly why this appears to defy conventional wisdom."

Very sure of himself, he seems determined to defy conventional wisdom about what can and cannot be accomplished in Israel.

These observations are trends which have developed over time, and sometimes defy conventional wisdom.

It's a reminder of how thoroughly the economy has defied the old conventional wisdom.

"Here's a man who in a very unconventional year continues to defy conventional wisdom," he said.

Public housing isn't the only factor in the area's comeback that seems to defy conventional wisdom.

No one, it seems, wants to bet too heavily on the direction of interest rates, which could always defy conventional wisdom and head higher again.

But isn't terrorism by definition dedicated to defying the conventional wisdom?