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# white lie

phrase (noun phrase, «a white lie», plural «white lies»)

«white lie» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

(everyday) a small, harmless lie told to be kind or polite, e.g. saying you like a present you don't.

### In the lessons

People use «white lie» to excuse small untruths that spare others' feelings; it softens the word «lie». Discussed in school about honesty and in daily life. All English-speaking countries.

### Examples

- (family) I told Grandma I loved the scarf — just a white lie.
- (school) Is a white lie ever right? Discuss.
- (chat) told my friend her haircut looked great, white lie
- (story) The fox told a white lie so the rabbit wouldn't worry.
- (teacher) A white lie is still a lie, but it is meant kindly.
- (parent) "It's only a white lie" isn't an excuse for cheating.

### Note

Trap: «white» here means harmless, not the colour. Some people say no lie is acceptable. Not for hiding something important or bad.