white lie

Definitions

A deliberately untrue statement which is intended to produce a favorable result; especially, one which is judged to be better than an overhonest alternative, as for example to remain polite in a superficial social exchange, or to choose one's battles.

idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“The prevarication and white lies which a mind⟳ that keeps itself ambitiously pure is as uneasy under as a great artist under the false touches that no eye detects but his own⟳, are worn as lightly as mere trimmings when once the actions have⟳ become⟳ a lie⟳.”

“An occasional little white lie⟳ such as Weston's probably won't cause any lasting damage⟳. And at times, telling the truth—particularly the whole truth to a child who's not at an age to handle⟳ it—may do more harm⟳ than good, they say⟳.”

“Too many joy rides in daddy's Jaguar / Too many white lies and white lines”

“What the next man knows, where the next man goes / Telling white lies ‘bout black folks”

CEFR level