white lie
1 of 1noun/ˈwaɪt laɪ/
Forms:white lies
1
a small lie that does not cause any harm, especially told to avoid making someone upset
The origin of the idiom "white lie" is rooted in the concept of a lie that is considered harmless or trivial. The term "white" in this context symbolizes purity, innocence, or a lack of malicious intent. The idiom refers to a lie told with good intentions, often to spare someone's feelings or maintain social harmony. This phrase suggests that the lie is not meant to cause harm or deceive, but rather to protect or benefit others in a small or inconsequential way.
- She told her friend a white lie about liking her new haircut, not wanting to hurt her feelings.
- He told a white lie to his boss, claiming to be stuck in traffic, when in reality, he overslept.
- The host thanked their guests for the delicious meal, even though it was a white lie as the food was undercooked.
- The child told a white lie to avoid trouble, claiming that the broken vase was an accident.
- She told her grandmother a white lie, pretending to enjoy the handmade sweater she received as a gift.