a white lie

USAGE SUMMARY

"a white lie" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe a lie that is told in order to avoid hurting someone's feelings, or to spare someone from a difficult truth. For example, "He told me the dress I was wearing was great, even though it was a bit too tight - it was a white lie, to spare me from feeling embarrassed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A white lie.

The New York Times

Tell a white lie.

The New York Times

He possibly told a white lie there.

The New York Times - Sports

Being told a white lie was the runner up.

Independent

"Well, it's a white lie," she replied gently.

Independent

A white lie, but a lie all the same.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Belle told a white lie, aged 23-and-a-half.

The Guardian

Roger White tells a white lie in this article.

The Guardian

Tobias Wolff guessed peoples' weights at a carnival — and learned the value of a white lie.

The New Yorker

(In my personal cosmology when a white lie is really stupid it doesn't count at all).

The New York Times

Connoisseurs who can watch it frame by frame say that's a white lie, but who cares?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a white lie" when you want to acknowledge a minor untruth without placing heavy judgment on it. It suggests the intention was good, even if the action wasn't entirely honest.

Common error

Avoid using "a white lie" as an excuse for actions that could cause real harm. A genuine white lie is meant to protect feelings, not to manipulate situations or avoid accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a white lie" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes a particular type of lie – one considered less harmful. Examples from Ludwig illustrate it used to describe trivial deceptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a white lie" is a common expression used to describe a harmless or trivial lie, often told to avoid hurting someone's feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in written English. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, understanding that even small untruths can have unintended consequences. Alternatives like "harmless untruth" or "innocent fib" may offer a nuanced way to express similar ideas. Remember, the key is to prioritize honesty and empathy in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

little white lie

Simple variation to the original phrase, with no semantic difference.

harmless untruth

Replaces "lie" with a more neutral term, focusing on the lack of harm.

innocent fib

Uses a more playful term for "lie", suggesting a minor transgression.

small deception

Emphasizes the limited scale of the falsehood.

tactful falsehood

Highlights the intention to be considerate of others' feelings.

benevolent deception

Highlights the positive intent behind the act of deception.

minor misrepresentation

Downplays the severity of the falsehood.

strategic ambiguity

Emphasizes the deliberate, but not necessarily malicious, nature of the statement.

polite evasion

Focuses on avoiding an uncomfortable truth through indirectness.

unintentional misleading

Suggests the statement was not intended to deceive.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "a white lie"?

The expression "a white lie" refers to a harmless or trivial lie, often told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or causing offense. It's considered less serious than other forms of deception.

When is it appropriate to tell "a white lie"?

Telling "a white lie" is often considered appropriate in situations where honesty might cause unnecessary pain or discomfort. However, it's essential to consider the potential consequences and whether the lie aligns with your values.

Are there alternatives to using "a white lie"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "harmless untruth", "innocent fib", or "small deception" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is telling "a white lie" ethical?

The ethics of telling "a white lie" are debatable. Some argue that any form of dishonesty is wrong, while others believe that "a white lie" can be justified in certain situations to protect someone's feelings. It often depends on the context and intent.