White lie
English Idiom
Meaning: A white lie is a harmless or small untruth often told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to evade minor consequences. It's generally considered acceptable because it's intended to be beneficial rather than harmful.
Origin: The term 'white lie' has been in use since the 1700s and is thought to have originated from the idea of associating white with purity and innocence. The phrase was first recorded in the 1741 book 'The Gentleman's Magazine,' where it referred to a lie that was considered harmless and told out of politeness or kindness.
Examples
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She told a white lie about liking her friend's new haircut to avoid hurting her feelings.
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During the interview, he told a white lie about his experience to make a better impression.
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When asked if he enjoyed the meal, he gave a white lie to his host to show appreciation.
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To protect his colleague, he told a white lie about why she was late to the meeting.
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She used a white lie to explain why she couldn't attend the party, sparing her friend’s feelings.
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He told a white lie about his weekend plans to avoid an awkward social situation.
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Parents often tell white lies to their children to maintain the magic of Santa Claus.
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She told a white lie to her boss about needing a day off for a personal reason.
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When asked about the surprise party, he told a white lie to keep it a secret.
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He gave a white lie to his neighbor about the noise level to maintain good relations.