a white lie

Meaning(s)

1. an untruth presumed to be harmless

Popularity

High

Professional

High

Social

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only a little white lie

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'A white lie' is usually a lie intended to protect someone's feelings. White lies are generally understood to be harmless or have no serious repercussions. This is a term used in social and professional contexts. Similar expressions include 'tell a fib', or 'to be fibbing'.

Check Icon Social Examples (Basic)

  1. It was only a little white lie, he's forgotten all about it already.
  2. Instead of the truth, I told her a little white lie that her gift was still in the delivery process.

Check Icon Professional Examples (Basic)

  1. Don't worry about the advertising campaign. It's not illegal. It's just a little white lie to attract customers.
  2. Sometimes you have to tell little white lies to your employees to increase their confidence.

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