white lie

noun

1. a minor, polite, or harmless lie; fib.

white lie

noun

1. a minor or unimportant lie, esp one uttered in the interests of tact or politeness

Idioms and Phrases

An untruth told to spare feelings or from politeness, as in She asked if I liked her dress, and of course I told a white lie. This term uses white in the sense of “harmless.” [First half of 1700s]

Example Sentences

Michael has been unable to resist telling a little white lie over the years that he is related to Darren and his famous father, Sir Alex of Manchester United fame.

Read more on BBC

He's previously claimed the track was inspired by a sunset in Malibu, but it turns out that that's a little white lie.

Read more on BBC

“These prosecutors bought Grace’s white lies, her big lies and all her pretty little lies,” said Chaudry during her closing statement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But Chaudhry said her client was the victim of “white lies, big lies, and pretty little lies” invented by Jabbari to exact revenge on an unfaithful partner.

Read more on Seattle Times

She added, “These prosecutors bought Grace’s white lies, her big lies and all her pretty little lies,” she said.

Read more on Salon