economical

economical with the truth used euphemistically to describe a person or statement that lies or deliberately withholds information.

☞ 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). The present phrase became current after its use in the 'Spycatcher' trial in the New South Wales Supreme Court: Robert Armstrong, head of the British Civil Service, was reported as saying of a letter: 'It contains a misleading impression, not a lie. It was being economical with the truth.'

2003Observer He is ruthless in pursuit of commercial goals, otherwise he would not have been so economical with the truth two months ago when he ruled out any notion of signing Beckham.