In this Pinocchio era I've been having a think about lies. Here's an example that makes me smile (black humour I know):
Often reported in the news: "He died peacefully". OK it is possible to die peacefully but they are hardly going to report "He died painfully, his head rotating as he spewed blood around the room".
Another death example - words said at a funeral. "she never had a bad word to say about anybody", "he was loved by all". I guess this is what people want to hear rather than "she never had a bad word about anyone except Mr XXXX, who she thought was a complete bastard", "he was loved by his Mum but others thought he was a bit of a pain"
Getting away from death, there are other examples. The classic "how are you?" reply "fine".
Any other examples?
7
Comments
"He meant well"
"It's the thought that counts"
"Sheffield United will come good" - no they won't - ever.
It can be roughly translated as, 'definitely not'.
No it bloody isn't, no-one told Usain Bolt or whatever 'well you just set a new all time world record but it was the taking part that was important.' do they? Only the losers get told that.
Edit: that was a mixing of metaphors by the way. My family didn't eat grandma. Whether she wanted it or not. I meant divvying up her belongings
No [insert manager name] you were shit and you lost
Said: "Kids, they grow up so quickly these days, don't they?".
Meant: "Your 14 year old daughter is dressing like a slapper."
...at least until last week.
At my last job I got pretty good at the compliment sandwich. "He's a great guy, but..." or "I love him like a brother but..." I'm not usually disingenuous, I just worked with people who were very reactionary and thus had to put things in very nice terms.