white lie

USAGE SUMMARY

"white lie" is a correct term in written English.
It typically refers to a lie that is told to spare someone's feelings, not to mislead or deceive them. For example, you could say, "I told her a white lie to protect her from the truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"White chocolate or white lie?" one online video asks.

The Washington Post

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

One last white lie wouldn't hurt.

The Guardian

It's called a gentle white lie".

The New York Times

Being told a white lie was the runner up.

Independent

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

Independent

Everyone tells a little white lie now and then.

The New York Times - Magazine

One business leader has called it a "great white lie".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The first expression was 'white lie'.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "white lie" when you want to describe a lie that is told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or causing trouble, not to deceive or gain an advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "white lie" to describe lies intended to manipulate or deceive others for personal gain. "White lies" are characterized by their harmless intent; more serious deceptions should be described with terms like "deceit", "fraud", or simply "lie".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "white lie" is as a noun phrase. It serves to identify a specific type of lie, characterized by its harmless intent and purpose. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "white lie" is a common and acceptable way to describe a harmless or trivial untruth, often told to protect someone's feelings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While the intention behind a "white lie" is generally benevolent, it's important to distinguish it from more malicious forms of deception. When used appropriately, the term serves as a useful descriptor for a common social phenomenon. Remember to choose alternatives like "harmless fib" or "small deception" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

little white lie

Adds 'little' to emphasize the minor nature of the lie.

harmless fib

Replaces 'lie' with 'fib' to soften the connotation of deception.

well-intentioned lie

Clearly states the good intention behind the lie.

small deception

Uses 'deception' instead of 'lie' for a slightly more formal tone.

benevolent falsehood

Emphasizes the good intentions behind the untrue statement.

untruth told in kindness

Rephrases the concept to highlight the benevolent intention.

tactful fabrication

Implies a more deliberate, yet still considerate, distortion of truth.

harmless prevarication

Substitutes 'lie' with the less common 'prevarication', suggesting evasion rather than direct falsehood.

a bit of a stretch

An informal way to describe something that's not entirely truthful, but not maliciously deceptive.

truthful bending

Highlights the manipulation of the truth but preserves the truthful purpose.

FAQs

What is the definition of "white lie"?

A "white lie" is a harmless or trivial lie, especially one told to avoid hurting someone's feelings.

What are some synonyms for "white lie"?

Synonyms for "white lie" include "harmless fib", "small deception", or "well-intentioned lie".

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

It might be appropriate to tell a "white lie" when honesty could cause unnecessary pain or offense, and the lie doesn't cause significant harm.

Is there a moral difference between a "white lie" and other types of lies?

Many people consider "white lies" to be less morally wrong than other lies because their intent is typically to protect feelings rather than to deceive for personal gain. The intention behind a "white lie" is often perceived as less malicious than other types of lies.