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White Lie

What Does "White Lie" Mean?

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"White lie" is an English idiom. It means "a harmless or small lie told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to maintain a pleasant social atmosphere."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "white lie" used in a sentence:
  • She told a white lie when she complimented her friend's questionable fashion choice.
  • Saying you're busy when you want some alone time is a common white lie.
  • He told a white lie to his host when he praised the dinner even though he didn't like it.
meaning for white lie

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "White Lie" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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