expression
the end justifies the means; a lie can be expedient
Proverb meaning that in some situations, telling a lie may be acceptable if it serves a greater good or practical purpose. Often used to justify small, harmless lies.
彼女を励ますために、嘘も方便だと思って大丈夫だと言った。
To encourage her, I told her it was okay, thinking that a lie can be expedient.
時には嘘も方便で、真実を言わない方が優しさになることもある。
Sometimes a lie is the best policy, and not telling the truth can be kinder.
A proverb warning that lying leads to worse behavior, contrasting with 嘘も方便 which justifies lies in certain contexts.
A set phrase combining 嘘 (lie) with 方便 (expedient means, originally a Buddhist term for skillful means). The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects the idea that a lie can be a practical tool.