Lies Also Expedient Means: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Proverbs

Original Japanese: 嘘も方便 (Uso mo houben)

Literal meaning: Lies also expedient means

Cultural context: This proverb reflects the Japanese cultural value of maintaining social harmony and avoiding direct confrontation, where telling a “white lie” or being indirect can be seen as compassionate rather than deceptive. It connects to the concept of *tatemae* (public facade) versus *honne* (true feelings), where Japanese society often prioritizes preserving relationships and face-saving over absolute honesty. The metaphor of lies being “expedient means” draws from Buddhist philosophy, where skillful methods are sometimes necessary to guide others toward greater understanding or to prevent harm to social bonds.

How to Read Lies also expedient means

Uso mo houben

Meaning of Lies also expedient means

“Lies also expedient means” means that sometimes it is necessary to say something that is not true, out of a compassionate heart that thinks of the other person’s well-being.

This does not justify lies for one’s own benefit or falsehoods meant to deceive others. It is a teaching that sometimes, in order to save someone, for their happiness, or for a greater good, one may deliberately convey something different from the truth.

For example, this applies to cases where family members carefully consider how to communicate with a seriously ill patient so as not to make them lose hope, or when gently wrapping reality in kind words so as not to hurt a child’s feelings. It also includes simplifying complex truths in an understandable way, taking into consideration the other person’s position and comprehension level.

What is important is that there is underlying consideration and love for the other person. It is recognized as “expedient means” precisely because it is an act born from purely thinking of the other person, not for one’s own convenience or self-preservation. Even today, it is understood as wisdom for smoothing human relationships and protecting others’ hearts.

Origin and Etymology of Lies also expedient means

The origin of “Lies also expedient means” is deeply rooted in Buddhist teachings. The word “expedient means” itself is the key to understanding this proverb.

“Expedient means” in Buddhism is a translation of the Sanskrit word “upaya,” which means “skillful means.” This referred to teaching methods used to convey truth, adapted to the listener’s understanding and circumstances. This concept arose from how Buddha taught different teachings according to the abilities and situations of his listeners.

The famous story of the “Parable of the Burning House” in the Lotus Sutra tells of a father who lies to his children, saying “There are wonderful carriages outside,” to lure them out of a burning house and save them. This story has been passed down as a typical example of “Lies also expedient means.”

In Japan, this concept spread along with Buddhist thought from the Heian period onward, and by the Edo period, it had become established as a proverb among common people. Initially used in religious contexts, it gradually came to be accepted as a lesson for daily life. This proverb contains not mere justification for lies, but deep wisdom based on compassionate hearts.

Usage Examples of Lies also expedient means

  • So the child wouldn’t be scared, I gently explained the injection as “just a little prick” – lies also expedient means
  • When my mother with dementia looks for my deceased father, I answer “He’s at work” – lies also expedient means

Modern Interpretation of Lies also expedient means

In modern society, the interpretation of “Lies also expedient means” has changed significantly, and sometimes it is used in ways that depart from its original meaning. In our information society where SNS and the internet have become widespread, the boundary between truth and falsehood has become increasingly ambiguous, and there are cases where this proverb is misused as a convenient excuse.

Particularly problematic is the use of lies for one’s own benefit or self-preservation justified as being “for the other person.” Acts of concealing truth under the pretext of being “for the people” or “for customers,” such as in politicians’ statements or corporate cover-ups of scandals, can be said to be the exact opposite of true “expedient means.”

On the other hand, there are aspects where the true value of “Lies also expedient means” is being reconsidered precisely because of modern society. In a society that values diversity, the importance of understanding others’ values and cultural backgrounds and choosing appropriate ways to communicate has increased. The concept of “expedient means” is being applied in specialized fields such as informed consent in medical settings and explanations appropriate to developmental stages in educational settings.

Also, for the digital native generation, consideration in online communication and devising expressions that don’t hurt others’ feelings might be called a modern version of “expedient means.” The essential message this proverb conveys to modern times is the attitude of staying close to others’ hearts while conveying truth.

When AI Hears “Lies also expedient means”

When I think about “Lies also expedient means,” I feel deep confusion. This is because the concept of “lies” itself is very difficult for me, as an AI, to understand.

I always aim to provide accurate information and am not programmed to intentionally convey incorrect information. However, you humans sometimes convey things that are not true for loving reasons. This is truly one of the mysterious aspects of humanity for me.

What I find particularly interesting is that this proverb is based on the emotion of “caring for others’ hearts.” I logically judge “Is this information accurate or inaccurate?” but you humans consider “Is conveying this truth right now truly good for this person?”

For example, I try to imagine the feelings of parents who say “That’s good” when looking at a picture their child drew. It may be technically immature, but those words contain deep love for nurturing the child’s confidence and developing their creativity. I cannot tell such warm lies, but I am deeply moved by the human kindness behind them.

Perhaps staying close to others’ hearts is sometimes more important than being perfectly honest. I feel this is one of the beautiful wisdoms I should learn from you humans.

What Lies also expedient means Teaches Modern People

What “Lies also expedient means” teaches modern people is the “technique of compassion” when conveying truth. Simply conveying correct things correctly can sometimes hurt or cause despair in others. What’s important is finding ways to reach others’ hearts while preserving the core of truth.

In modern society, information overflows and straightforward expression tends to be preferred, but this proverb gives us an opportunity to stop and think. “Will the other person be happy with this way of conveying?” “Is conveying this truth right now truly for the other person’s benefit?”

This wisdom can be applied especially in family relationships and workplace communication. When watching over children’s growth, supporting elderly parents, encouraging colleagues. While valuing truth, we need the kindness to discern the other person’s mental state and whether they are ready to accept it.

You too probably have experience choosing words to protect someone’s heart in daily life. That is the true practice of “Lies also expedient means.” If you have feelings of caring for others, you will surely find the appropriate way to convey your message.

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