What does “Economical with the truth” mean?
"Economical with the truth" means deliberately withholding or being vague about certain details, rather than providing the complete truth.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The politician was accused of being economical with the truth during the debate.
Example
The witness was caught being economical with the truth during cross-examination.
Example
The company's CEO was known for being economical with the truth when addressing the media
Is “Economical with the truth” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Economical with the truth” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Economical with the truth” effectively in context?
You can use "Economical with the truth" to describe someone who is not being completely honest or is intentionally withholding information. It implies that the person is being selective in their communication and may be misleading others. For example, if a friend is known for exaggerating stories, you might say, 'He's always economical with the truth, so take his stories with a grain of salt.'
- 1Politics
The politician was accused of being economical with the truth during the debate.
- 2Legal Proceedings
The witness was caught being economical with the truth during cross-examination.
- 3Corporate Communication
The company's CEO was known for being economical with the truth when addressing the media.
Similar phrases to “Economical with the truth”:
Tell half-truths
To only reveal part of the truth while leaving out important details
Example
She told half-truths to her parents to avoid getting in trouble.
To cause someone to have a wrong idea or impression
Example
The advertisement was designed to mislead consumers into thinking the product had certain benefits.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Economical with the truth” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Economical with the truth" is attributed to Sir Robert Armstrong, a British civil servant. In 1986, during the Spycatcher trial, Armstrong used this phrase to describe the practice of not telling the whole truth or being intentionally vague.
Is “Economical with the truth” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Economical with the truth" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation, especially in contexts where honesty and transparency are important. It is often used to criticize someone's lack of honesty or to express skepticism about their statements.
What tone does “Economical with the truth” have?
"Economical with the truth" conveys a tone of suspicion or criticism. It suggests that the person being described is not trustworthy or is intentionally misleading others.
Can “Economical with the truth” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "economical with the truth" is a formal expression that is commonly used in professional and serious contexts. It is often used in politics, legal proceedings, and corporate communication where honesty and accuracy are crucial.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The witness was caught being economical with the truth.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's always "economical with the truth"!' to imply skepticism about someone's honesty.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- not tell the whole truth
- be vague
- withhold information
- be deceptive
- be untruthful
Antonyms
- be honest
- tell the truth
- be transparent
- be forthright
- be candid
