Would Be a White Lie?

If you refer to an untrue statement as a white lie, you mean that it is made to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to avoid trouble, and not for an evil purpose.

What is a white lie meaning?

M-W defines “white lie” as “a lie about a small or unimportant matter that someone tells to avoid hurting another person.” That's similar to the American Heritage definition: “An often trivial, diplomatic or well-intentioned untruth.”

Is it OK to say white lie?

Overall, white lies are for beneficial purposes. Being totally honest in some cases would create unpleasantness or be offensive. Some view white lies as a sign of civility. Real lies tend to be more self-serving.