white lie
复数形式
white lies
1
善意的谎言, 白色谎言
a small lie that does not cause any harm, especially told to avoid making someone upset
The origin of the idiom "white lie" is rooted in the concept of a lie that is considered harmless or trivial. The term "white" in this context symbolizes purity, innocence, or a lack of malicious intent. The idiom refers to a lie told with good intentions, often to spare someone's feelings or maintain social harmony. This phrase suggests that the lie is not meant to cause harm or deceive, but rather to protect or benefit others in a small or inconsequential way.
- She told her friend a white lie about liking her new haircut, not wanting to hurt her feelings.
她对她朋友说了一个关于喜欢她新发型的善意的谎言，不想伤害她的感情。
- He told a white lie to his boss, claiming to be stuck in traffic, when in reality, he overslept.
他对老板说了一个善意的谎言，声称自己堵车了，实际上他睡过头了。
- The host thanked their guests for the delicious meal, even though it was a white lie as the food was undercooked.
主人感谢客人的美味佳肴，尽管这是一个善意的谎言，因为食物未煮熟。
- The child told a white lie to avoid trouble, claiming that the broken vase was an accident.
孩子说了一个善意的谎言来避免麻烦，声称打碎的花瓶是个意外。
- She told her grandmother a white lie, pretending to enjoy the handmade sweater she received as a gift.
她对祖母撒了一个善意的谎言，假装喜欢她收到的作为礼物的手工毛衣。