White lie Meaning in English
expression
ˈhwaɪt/, /ˈwaɪt/ /ˈɫaɪ
HWYTE LYE, WYTE LYE
wˈaɪt/ /lˈaɪ
WYTE LYE
Definition
A small or harmless lie told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to be polite, not meant to cause harm.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both spoken and written English, usually informal. Typical contexts: social situations, avoiding awkwardness; not meant for serious deceit. Often used in 'tell a white lie'. Don't confuse with intentional or harmful lies.
Spanish: mentira piadosaPortuguese (BR): mentira brancaPortuguese (PT): mentira piedosa - mentirinhaChinese (Simplified): 善意的谎言Chinese (Traditional): 善意的謊言Hindi: सफेद झूठArabic: كذبة بيضاءBengali: সাদা মিথ্যা - ছোট অপরাপর মিথ্যাRussian: невинная ложь - белая ложьJapanese: 善意の嘘Vietnamese: lời nói dối vô hại - lời nói dối trắngKorean: 선의의 거짓말Turkish: beyaz yalanUrdu: سفید جھوٹIndonesian: kebohongan putih - bohong kecil
Example Sentences
She told a white lie to avoid hurting her friend's feelings.
basic
Sometimes a white lie is better than the truth.
basic
He told a white lie about liking the food.
basic
Everyone tells a white lie now and then.
natural
She gave him a white lie just to keep the peace at dinner.
natural
A little white lie won’t hurt anybody, right?
natural