Secrets & Lies category icon

Have you ever lied about why you were late?

👥 Play with Friends

This question uncovers the little secrets behind our punctuality—or lack thereof—and reveals how far we're willing to go to cover up the truth. If you're curious about candid moments and hidden stories, explore our categories to find more intriguing prompts.

What do players say?

86%
of players said Yes
43 responses

Based on 43 answers so far, 86% of players say yes — making this one of the most common experiences players own up to.

What This Question Really Asks

This question delves into honesty and the reasons behind our actions, often uncovering humorous, guilty, or even surprising truths. It’s a way to understand how we handle pressure and social expectations. For a broader look at personal admissions, check out our deep and meaningful questions.

  • Whether you’ve ever fabricated a story to avoid embarrassment
  • How honest or deceptive you tend to be in everyday situations
  • The excuses you’ve used to justify being late
  • Understanding the social pressure to present yourself in a certain way
  • Considering whether telling the truth might sometimes be worse than the lie

How to Use This Question

Setting Tone Best for Tip
Friends game night Playful and lighthearted Breaking the ice, sharing funny stories Use humor to keep the mood relaxed and encourage honesty to decide when to ask.
First date Warm and sincere Getting to know each other's backgrounds Frame it as a fun confession to build trust.
Team meeting Professional yet friendly Learning about colleagues' personalities Balance honesty with tact to keep it comfortable.
Family dinner Casual and open Sharing stories and laughs over dinner Keep it light and focus on humorous or relatable lies.
Party Festive and fun Creating amusing stories and banter Follow up with quick icebreaker questions for more fun.

What Your Answer Says About You

When you say "Yes"

  1. You’re comfortable admitting minor dishonesty and can laugh about it.
  2. You’ve felt guilty about lying, but thought it was necessary in the moment.
  3. You tend to hide your true feelings or actions behind stories.
  4. It’s likely you've used a creative excuse to justify being late or avoiding a situation.
  5. You believe that sometimes, a white lie can save face or keep the peace.

When you say "No"

Answering no indicates that you generally value honesty, even if it’s uncomfortable. You might be proud of your integrity and strive to be truthful in most situations. However, some may still withhold the truth to avoid disagreements or conflict.

  • Feeling it’s better to be honest at all costs
  • Having a strict policy against lying, even small ones
  • Believing that honesty builds trust and stronger relationships

Best Follow-Up Questions

  • What’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told?
  • Have you ever been caught in a lie? How did you handle it?
  • Why do you think people lie in the first place?
  • When was the last time you told the truth, even if it was difficult?
  • Would you rather tell the truth or tell a lie in a tricky situation? Why?

For more ideas on encouraging honesty, see our categories for the best questions.

Looking to keep the game flowing? Try our play page for endless fun and multiplayer options to enjoy with friends!

Ask the table

  • Who in the group is most likely to have lied about why you were late?
  • Did you ever get caught — and is there anyone in the room you'd still never tell?

Suggested Tool

Based on this category

🔀 Category Mixer