Idiom: Economical With The Truth
Meanings
Believed to be from a quotation by the British-Irish statesman and philosopher Edmund Burke (1729–1797): “Falsehood and delusion are allowed in no case whatever: But, as in the exercise of all the virtues, there is an œconomy of truth. It is a sort of temperance, by which a man speaks truth with measure that he may speak it the longer.”[1]
How to pronounce "economical with the truth":
AU
Not telling the whole truth, especially in order to present a false image of a situation; untruthful; lying. Often used with sarcasm or satire.
Example: "I would be being economical with the truth if I were to tell you that I was enjoying myself."
Example Sentences
1
He tends to be economical with the truth when it comes to his past achievements.
2
The politician was being economical with the truth when asked about his stance on the issue.
3
I suspect she was economical with the truth about her whereabouts last night.
4
The witness was economical with the truth during cross-examination.
5
The company's spokesperson is well-known for being economical with the truth.
