The expression comes from a statement given in evidence by Sir Robert Armstrong, British cabinet secretary, in the ‘Spycatcher’ trial (1986), conducted to prevent publication of a book by a former MI5 employee, ‘It contains a misleading impression, not a lie. It was being economical with the truth. ‘
What is the meaning of being economical?
economical means using things in the best possible way without wasting anything. She’s an economical cook who feeds us well. thrifty is used when someone manages things well and is industrious. A thrifty shopper can save money. sparing is used when someone spends or uses as little as possible.
What does it mean to stretch the truth?
: to say something that is not exactly true : to describe something as larger or greater than it really is He was stretching the truth to make the story more interesting.
What does saying truth mean?
—used to say that one is stating what one really thinks I didn’t really like the movie, to tell the truth.
What is the meaning of terminological inexactitude?
Terminological inexactitude is a phrase introduced in 1906 by British politician Winston Churchill. It is used as a euphemism or circumlocution meaning a lie, an untruth, or a substantially correct but technically inaccurate statement.
What is the example of euphemism?
A euphemism is a word or expression used in lieu of a harsher alternative. For example, someone might say they’re “taking an early retirement” instead of admitting they got fired.
How do you know if something is economical?
Economic is all about how money works, but something economical is a good deal. You might take an economic studiesclass to understand the ebb and flow of cash in the world, but if you buy a used textbook for it, you’re being economical. If you want an adjective related to the economy, economic is your word.
What is meant by not economical?
: not economic especially : having no economic importance or implication.
What do you call someone who stretches the truth?
When you exaggerate you stretch the truth. After all, when you exaggerate, you’re not really lying — you’re just overstating things. The word exaggerate can also suggest that a particular characteristic is overdone or almost larger than life.
Is stretching the truth a lie?
So, when does s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g the truth turn into a lie? The term “lying” is ugly and offensive. Stretching the truth sounds harmless and innocent — and sometimes it is. Lying, or stretching the truth, may be innocent in its initial appearance or it might be diabolical and treacherous in its deeper intentions.
What does the word economical with the truth mean?
economical with the truth. humorous. › avoiding stating the true facts about a situation, or lying about it.
When was the economy of truth first used?
The phrase economy of truth was used in the 18th century by the orator Edmund Burke ( 1729–97 ), while in the 19th century Mark Twain observed ‘Truth is the most valuable thing we have. Let us economize it’ ( Following the Equator, 1897 ).
How is the presidency economical with the truth?
President, that the Presidency was economical with the truth in its statement wherein it attempted to dissociate itself from the ugly developments in the Senate, which have put our nation’s stability and our democracy under serious stress.’
When did economical with the truth become a catchphrase?
Political catchphrase. “Economical with the truth” became a political catchphrase in the United Kingdom in 1986 during the Spycatcher trial in the Australian Supreme Court of New South Wales, when Robert Armstrong, the UK Cabinet Secretary, was questioned by Malcolm Turnbull, and described a letter thus:
