嘘うそも方ほう便べん

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.

• 彼かの女じょを励はげますために、嘘うそも方ほう便べんだと思おもって大だい丈じょう夫ぶだと言いった。

  To encourage her, I told her it was okay, thinking that a lie can be expedient.

• 時ときには嘘うそも方ほう便べんで、真しん実じつを言いわない方ほうが優やさ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.