Tell a (little) white lie In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "tell a (little) white lie", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Tonia Thai calendar 2022-01-24 09:01

Meaning of Tell a (little) white lie

Tell a (little) white lie American British verb phrase

If you say that you tell a (little) white lie, you mean that you tell a harmless line in order to be polite and avoid making someone upset.

When being asked about her new dress, I told a little white lie to make her joyful.

In some cases, you should tell a white lie to avoid hurting others' feelings.

I told her a white lie about having to complete my homework to refuse her invitation to her birthday party.

Other phrases about:

Butter wouldn't melt in his mouth

Used to imply that someone is acting as if he or she is demure, innocent, sincere or reserved but they may be not

string someone along

To maintain someone's attention or to keep them waiting in a state of uncertainty. 

smell a rat
to doubt that something is untrue, unreliable or deceptive
couldn't lie straight in bed

To be dishonest or deceptive and no one can believe

Grammar and Usage of Tell a (little) white lie

Verb Forms

  • tell a (little) white lie
  • tells a (little) white lie
  • told a (little) white lie
  • telling a (little) white lie

The verb "tell" should be conjugated according to its tense.

error

Report Error

Do you see anything wrong?

Share your idioms

If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.

Submit An Idiom

Make a Donation!

Help us update and complete more idioms

Donate

TODAY
fairly and squarely
straightforwardly
Example: I told her fairly and squarely that I don't like her behavior as well as personality.
Join the Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates!

Darkmode