a clean lie

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clean lie" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lie that is told in a straightforward or unembellished manner, often implying that it is free of guilt or deceitfulness. Example: "He told a clean lie, making it seem like he was being honest while hiding the truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But as uniform as the heights sound, there still will be some fortunate variations in lies — when little patches of the gnarly kikuyu grass form mats that hold the ball atop the rough in a clean lie.

The New York Times - Sports

For the ball to spin at full potential it should be sitting up with a clean lie, not much grass surrounding it.

WikiHow

Therefore, you usually will want to select a club with a greater loft angle than you would take if you had a clean lie.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

On a clean worktop, lay half a sheet of filo, brush with the butter/oil mix, lay another half-sheet of filo on top and brush that, too; repeat until you have a pile six to eight sheets thick.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To make a clean cut, lay the wire on the table and make sure it's completely flat.

WikiHow

The Grim Aftermath of AirstrikesFeral dogs hung about the stinking ruins, with human bones, picked clean, lying around the dusty streets.

Vice

Just to be clean, lay some old newspapers under your work area so as to not spill anything or furniture or flooring.

WikiHow

Make sure the patient has a clean bed to lie on, with fresh sheets.

WikiHow

Serves 10-20 150g ricotta cheese 150g mozzarella, grated or finely diced 50g parmesan, grated 50g salami slices, chopped 1 tbsp parsley, chopped Grated nutmeg Salt and black pepper 20-25 wrappersrappers Oil for deep frying 1 In a bowl mix together the first five ingredients, then season well with nutmeg, salt and pepper. 2 On a clean tea towel lay out the wonton wrappers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Select a clean cloth and lay it over the bowl as a cover.

WikiHow

Lay a clean dish towel next to the pan, and using a slotted spoon or spatula, carefully remove the poached eggs from the water.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clean lie" to describe a falsehood that is presented simply and without unnecessary embellishment. It often implies a lack of malicious intent, distinguishing it from more deceptive or elaborate lies.

Common error

Avoid using "a clean lie" when you mean an honest statement. The phrase, while implying a lack of malice, still denotes a falsehood. Ensure the context clearly indicates a lie, not a truth.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a clean lie" is a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, describing a specific type of falsehood. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is used to describe the nature of the lie.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a clean lie" describes a falsehood presented simply, without embellishment, and often without malicious intent. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usage. While it might seem like a contradiction, the phrase serves to soften the impact of a lie, suggesting it was told to avoid harm or maintain social harmony. This is distinct from more deceptive or harmful lies. Alternatives include "a white lie" or "a harmless deception". Remember to use this phrase carefully, ensuring the context clearly indicates a lie and not an honest mistake. It's predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, and its frequency is relatively rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a white lie

This refers to a harmless or trivial lie, often told to avoid hurting someone's feelings.

a harmless deception

This emphasizes the lack of harmful intent behind the misleading statement.

a slight untruth

This minimizes the severity of the lie, suggesting it is not significant.

a fib

This is a more informal term for a small, unimportant lie.

a simple falsehood

This focuses on the straightforward nature of the lie, lacking complexity or deceit.

an innocent fabrication

This implies the lie was created without any intention of causing harm.

a convenient untruth

This suggests the lie was told to make a situation easier or more advantageous.

a diplomatic evasion

This frames the lie as a way to avoid a difficult or sensitive topic.

a tactful misrepresentation

This emphasizes the intention to be polite or considerate while not being entirely truthful.

an artful dodge

This refers to a clever or skillful way of avoiding the truth without directly lying.

FAQs

How can "a clean lie" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a clean lie" to describe a falsehood told without harmful intent, such as "He told "a clean lie" to spare her feelings".

What's the difference between "a clean lie" and "a white lie"?

Both phrases describe harmless lies, but "a clean lie" emphasizes the simplicity and lack of embellishment in the falsehood, while "a white lie" focuses on the intention to avoid causing harm.

What are some alternatives to "a clean lie"?

Alternatives include "a harmless deception", "a slight untruth", or "a fib", depending on the context and the degree of minimization desired.

Is "a clean lie" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a clean lie" is grammatically correct and understandable, although it may be considered an oxymoron. The phrase is used to describe a lie told in a straightforward manner, often implying a lack of malice.