A white lie is a lie that is considered harmless or trivial, especially one told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.
The term dates back to the 14th century and is linked to historical colour associations that suggest that white symbolises “morally pure” and that black symbolises “sinister intent”.
Some examples of how it is used in sentences are:
• He told a white lie as his excuse for missing the party.
• She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, so she said she liked his gift, even though it was a white lie.
• Sometimes people tell white lies to avoid awkward or complicated situations.
• He knew it was a white lie, but he appreciated her compliment anyway.
• She decided to be honest with him, rather than tell a white lie.
I go with silence when I can. Never lie.
That’s good.
Good but sometimes, in the short term, not good for me. It’s such an unusual trait here any more I’ve been accused of nihilism, just for that.