The phrase "told white lie" is commonly used to describe a small lie that is not intended to cause harm. The spelling of the word "lie" is straightforward, with the sounds /laɪ/ represented by the letters l-i-e. However, the spelling of "white" introduces some complexity. The "wh" sound is transcribed as /hw/, representing the voiceless labialized velar approximant. Meanwhile, the "ite" together represent the long /aɪ/ sound. Therefore, the correct IPA transcription for "told white lie" is /təʊld waɪt laɪ/.
A "told white lie" refers to a deliberate falsehood or deception told by an individual that is considered to be harmless or trivial in nature, often employed with the intention of preventing hurt feelings, maintaining social harmony, or avoiding conflict. The term "white lie" suggests that the lie itself is of a mild or innocuous nature, lacking the malicious intent typically associated with deception.
When someone tells a white lie, they knowingly communicate information that is untrue, but without the intention of causing harm or personal gain for themselves. These lies often serve the purpose of preserving the feelings or self-esteem of others, shielding them from potentially hurtful or uncomfortable truths. Common examples of told white lies may include complimenting someone on their appearance, expressing enthusiasm for a gift or favor, or downplaying one's own accomplishments to avoid appearing boastful.
The act of telling a white lie can be seen as a social lubricant that promotes smoother interactions and maintains positivity in relationships. However, the practice of telling white lies can be subjective and context-dependent, as what may be considered harmless in one situation might be seen as deceitful or inappropriate in another.
In summary, a told white lie involves knowingly sharing false information without malicious intent, typically done to protect someone's feelings, maintain social harmony, or avoid unnecessary conflict.