Definition

Noun: A minor or harmless lie, told typically to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to be polite, rather than for personal gain or to cause harm. It is considered socially acceptable in many contexts.

Usage

A "white lie" is used as a countable noun. It describes a specific instance of untruthfulness deemed acceptable due to its benevolent or polite intent. - It is often told to spare someone from unnecessary upset, embarrassment, or discomfort. - The concept implies that the lie is trivial and does not have serious consequences.

Examples

• Noun:
  • I told a white lie and said the dinner was delicious to avoid hurting her feelings.
  • Sometimes, a white lie is kinder than the harsh truth.
  • He didn't like her new haircut, so he told a little white lie and said it looked nice.

Advanced Usage

• "to tell a white lie": This is the standard collocation for using this term.
  • It's common to tell a white lie in social situations to maintain harmony.
• The term can be used in discussions about ethics, morality, and social etiquette, questioning whether any lie can truly be "white" or justified.

Variants and Related Words

• Fib (n.): A synonym for a small or trivial lie, often used in a more childish or gentle context.
  • The child told a fib about eating the last cookie.
• Half-truth (n.): A statement that is only partially true, often intended to deceive. This is more serious than a white lie.
  • His explanation was a half-truth designed to hide his mistake.

Synonyms

• Harmless lie: A lie that causes no damage.
• Little lie: A small, often inconsequential untruth.
• Fib: A small, trivial lie (slightly more informal).

Antonyms

• Barefaced lie: A shameless or bold lie.
• Malicious lie: A lie told with the intent to harm or deceive for personal gain.
• Hard truth: An unpleasant fact told directly without softening.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To lie through one's teeth: To tell a blatant and obvious lie (this is the opposite of a subtle white lie).
  • He was lying through his teeth about his involvement in the project.
• Economical with the truth: A euphemism for being deceptive or not telling the whole truth, often in a more formal or political context.
  • The politician was accused of being economical with the truth during the interview.

Noun

1. an unimportant lie (especially one told to be tactful or polite)