Some people wouldn’t know the meaning of honesty if it smacked them in the face.
Lying is basically second nature to them, and while they think they’re slick, they don’t realise how obviously false the things they say sound to the people they say them to. When they’re playing fast and loose with the truth, they tend to use many of the same phrases over and over again, not understanding that in reality, they’re making it clear that they’re full of it.
1. “To be honest…”
When someone starts a sentence with this phrase, it can be a red flag. If they’re being honest now, does that mean they weren’t before? Liars often overuse such qualifiers to make their words sound more credible, but they end up doing the opposite. A truly honest person doesn’t need to announce their honesty.
2. “I swear to God…”
Liars often use strong declarations like this to convince you they’re telling the truth. The more dramatic the statement, the more likely they’re trying to overcompensate. Instead of relying on evidence or a calm demeanour, they lean on exaggeration to win you over.
3. “Why would I lie about that?”
This question is often a defensive tactic. Instead of addressing the issue, they deflect by putting the burden of proof back on you. It’s a subtle way to avoid answering directly while making you doubt yourself. Honest people typically provide clear explanations, not rhetorical questions.
4. “I didn’t even do anything.”
This is often used to downplay their involvement in a situation. Liars will minimise their actions to make the issue seem unimportant. The vagueness of the statement can also be a way to avoid giving specific details that could be disproven later.
5. “I would never lie to you.”
While this might sound reassuring, it’s often unnecessary for truthful people to say it. Liars use this one to pre-empt doubt, but the fact they feel the need to declare it can signal deception. Trustworthy individuals show their honesty through actions, not proclamations.
6. “You’re being paranoid.”
When caught in a lie, deflection is a common tactic. By accusing you of overreacting or imagining things, they shift the focus away from their dishonesty. This is designed to make you doubt your instincts and back off from questioning them further.
7. “That’s exactly what happened.”
Liars often repeat or emphasise their version of events to make them seem more credible. The extra emphasis can come across as rehearsed or overly polished. Instead of letting their story speak for itself, they feel the need to hammer it home.
8. “I don’t remember saying that.”
This allows liars to deny their previous statements without outright calling you a liar. It gives them wiggle room while avoiding confrontation. By claiming a lapse in memory, they hope to make the conversation too murky to challenge further.
9. “Everyone knows that’s not true.”
Using vague generalities like “everyone knows” is a way liars try to bolster their argument without providing concrete evidence. It shifts the responsibility of proving their point onto some imaginary consensus, which conveniently can’t be verified.
10. “Why are you even asking me this?”
Liars often use this phrase to deflect and make you feel guilty for questioning them. It’s a way to avoid answering while putting you on the defensive. Instead of clarifying, they create doubt about why the question is even necessary.
11. “That’s not what I meant.”
When someone gets caught in a contradiction, they might try to backtrack with this phrase. It’s an easy way to shift blame onto misunderstanding rather than taking responsibility for their words. Liars often rely on ambiguity to wiggle out of sticky situations.
12. “I didn’t think it was a big deal.”
Liars downplay their actions with phrases like this to make you feel like you’re overreacting. They’ll trivialise the issue to divert attention away from their dishonesty. This tactic works by minimising the consequences and trying to end the conversation quickly.
13. “Trust me.”
If someone feels the need to tell you to trust them, it might mean they haven’t earned that trust in the first place. Honest people show they’re trustworthy through consistent behaviour, not through repeated requests for faith in their words. It’s a phrase that often raises more suspicion than reassurance.
14. “I’m not lying.”
This one seems straightforward, but honest people rarely feel the need to declare their truthfulness outright. Liars, however, might overuse this to convince you, especially when they sense you’re doubtful. The more someone insists they’re not lying, the more likely it is that they are.
15. “That’s crazy.”
When someone labels your concerns as “crazy,” it’s often a way to dismiss you without addressing the real issue. Liars say this to make you feel irrational for questioning them. It’s a subtle form of manipulation designed to undermine your confidence in your own perceptions.
16. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Feigning ignorance is a common way liars dodge accountability, and saying this helps them avoid giving a straight answer while making you feel like you’re the one who’s mistaken. It’s often paired with a dismissive attitude to shut down further questioning.
17. “I already told you everything.”
Liars use this one to express frustration and try to shut the conversation down. It’s a way to make you feel like you’re being unreasonable for wanting more clarity. Honest people are usually willing to revisit details and answer questions without hesitation.
