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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Economical with the truth is popularly used as a euphemism for deceitful, whether by volunteering false information (i.e., lying) or by deliberately holding back relevant facts. More literally, it describes a careful use of facts so as not to reveal too much information.
A similar expression appeared in Mr. Punch's History of the Great War, published in July 1919:
| “ | Lord Kitchener has been charged with being "very economical in his information" vouchsafed to the Lords...[1] | ” |
The modern phrase entered popular usage after it was used by the British then-Cabinet Secretary Robert Armstrong during the Spycatcher trial in 1986. It derives from Edmund Burke:[2]
| “ | Falsehood and delusion are allowed in no case whatever: but, as in the exercise of all the virtues, there is an economy of truth. It is a sort of temperance, by which a man speaks truth with measure that he may speak it the longer.[3] | ” |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Graves, Charles L. (July 1919), Mr. Punch's History of the Great War, http://www.gutenberg.org/files/11571/11571-h/11571-h.htm#very_economical
- ^ Beckett, Francis (14 April 2003). "A perfect spy". NewStatesman. http://www.newstatesman.com/200304140040. "... [Kenneth] Rose points out indignantly, goes back to Edmund Burke."
- ^ The works of Edmund Burke, with a memoir, Volume 2 Google Books facsimile of 1849 edition
