blue lie

A "blue lie" is a falsehood told to benefit a group or organization, often justified as serving a greater good.

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Definition

C1Law Enforcement

(specific, professional)A false statement made by a police officer to avoid using force or to ensure compliance.

Example

  • The officer told a blue lie to calm the suspect and avoid a potentially violent confrontation.

B2Group Dynamics

(general, informal)A falsehood told to protect the reputation or interests of a group or organization.

Example

  • The committee decided on a blue lie to cover up the mistake and preserve the team's image.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "blue lie":

baby bluethin blue linefull bluedeep bluelight bluechina bluesmall bluetrue bluesky bluehalf blueice bluelie detectionblue notesteel bluelie bylie beforeblue linkbice blueberry bluesky-blue pinkblack and bluedark blue