What does “White lie” mean?
"A white lie" means a harmless or small lie that is told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or causing trouble.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I told a white lie to my friend to spare her feelings.
Example
He didn't want to hurt her, so he told a white lie instead.
Example
Sometimes it's better to tell a white lie than to be brutally honest
Is “White lie” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“White lie” 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 “White lie” effectively in context?
You can use "White Lie" when you want to describe a small or harmless lie that is told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or causing trouble. For example, if a friend asks you if they look good in an outfit and they don't, you might say, 'You look great!' even though it's not entirely true.
- 1Social Interactions
She told a white lie to her friend about liking her new haircut.
- 2Relationships
He didn't want to hurt her, so he told a white lie instead of telling her the truth.
- 3Ethical Dilemmas
Sometimes it's better to tell a white lie than to be brutally honest.
Similar phrases to “White lie”:
A small or harmless lie
Example
He told a fib to get out of going to the party.
Half-truth
A statement that is partially true but leaves out important details
Example
He told a half-truth to his boss to avoid getting in trouble.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “White lie” come from?
The origin of the phrase "White Lie" is unknown.
Is “White lie” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "White Lie" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe a situation where they have told a small lie to avoid hurting someone's feelings or causing trouble.
What tone does “White lie” have?
"White Lie" conveys a tone of understanding and empathy. It suggests that sometimes it's better to prioritize kindness and spare someone's feelings, even if it means bending the truth slightly.
Can “White lie” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "White Lie" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common social phenomenon. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I had to tell a "white lie" to avoid hurting her feelings.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Sometimes, a "white lie" is necessary.' to imply the concept of telling a small lie for a good reason.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- harmless lie
- kind lie
- polite lie
- gentle lie
- tactful lie
Antonyms
- brutal honesty
- blunt truth
- full disclosure
- complete honesty
- unvarnished truth
