Two Truths and a Lie: 35 Good Lies for Tricking Others (2024)

Two Truths and a Lie: 35 Good Lies for Tricking Others (1)

Throwing a party or looking for an icebreaker to use at a work event? Whatever the case, Two Truths and a Lie is a unique game that's useful for getting to know other people—and for seeing how good you are at lying! Read on to learn what the game entails and what makes for a good lie. We also give you tons of Two Truths and a Lie ideas to help you have a wildly fun time!

What Is Two Truths and a Lie?

Two Truths and a Lie is a fun group-based game you can play at parties or use as ice breakers. No special equipment or preparation is needed, though you might want to use pencil and paper to keep track of scores (if playing for points).

To play, everyone sits or stands in a circle. One by one, each person in the circle says three statements about him/herself. Two of these statements must be facts, or "truths," and one must be a lie. The other members then try to guess which statement is the lie.

What Makes for a Good Lie? A Good Truth?

A good lie is one that's ultimately believable: it'll sound like something you might've done or might want to do (but haven't actually done). A lie that's too farfetched will clearly sound fake, so try to think of lies that are similar to truths to make them as plausible-sounding as possible.

For example, don't say, "I can speak 22 languages." This statement is clearly a lie (unless you're a famous polyglot!). Rather, say, "I can speak three languages fluently." This statement is just plausible enough to make people doubt whether you're telling the truth or not.

When it comes to telling truths, you'll want to tell the truth in such a way that others think you're lying even though you're not. Therefore, a good truth will sound like something you usually wouldn't do or wouldn't want to do (but have actually done).

For example, if you're normally a shy person but have been the first to get out on a dance floor, this would be a good truth to tell since other people won't expect you to have done it.

35 Two Truths and a Lie Ideas

Below are tons of Two Truths and a Lie examples you can use for lies (or truths if applicable!). Just remember this: when choosing lies, always opt for those that will be most convincing for you!

Likes/Dislikes

  • My favorite animals are peaco*cks.
  • I hate spicy food.
  • I can't stand it when people pay with exact change.
  • I am a vegetarian.
  • My favorite place in the world is New York City.

Skills

  • I can play the piano.
  • I'm really good at cooking Italian food.
  • I can juggle.
  • I never learned how to ride a bicycle.
  • I'm a great whistler.

Experiences

  • I went to Europe as a high school student.
  • I've met Tom Cruise.
  • I've never seen any of the Star Wars movies.
  • I've eaten poisonous puffer fish.
  • I've never gotten a speeding ticket.

Wishes/Dreams

  • When I was younger, my dream was to be a firefighter.
  • I've always wanted to try paragliding.
  • One of the places I want to visit most is Thailand.
  • I hope to eventually run a marathon.
  • If I could, I would pay to visit the moon right now.

Family

  • I am a great-great grandniece/grandnephew of Abraham Lincoln.
  • I am the youngest of five siblings.
  • My mother has worked for the same company for 30 years.
  • I own a pet hamster named Murray.
  • I have 18 first cousins.

Random/Weird

  • I am colorblind.
  • I am legally deaf in one ear.
  • I was born with a tail.
  • I still own a huge collection of Beanie Babies.
  • I've never broken a bone.
  • I am deathly afraid of clowns.
  • I brush my teeth four times a day.
  • I never use public restrooms.
  • I'm allergic to strawberries.
  • I am incredibly superstitious.

Feel free to tweak these Two Truths and a Lie ideas so that they work better for you. Once you've got some ideas ready, get out and have fun!

What's Next?

Looking for more games that don't require anything but the power of your devious mind? Get ideas for and learn how to play 20 Questions, charades, and This or That games.

If you're game to try something else that requires a little bit of writing or drawing, don't worry—we have you covered. Check out our lists of 100+ pictionary words you can use to make your own game and Family Feud questions to play at home.

Two truths and a lie is a great way to get to know people, but it's far from the only way. We've compiled lists of icebreaker questions, fun and cool facts to use as conversation starters, and interesting questions to ask people in any situation.

Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article!

Two Truths and a Lie: 35 Good Lies for Tricking Others (2)

Hannah Muniz

About the Author

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Two Truths and a Lie: 35 Good Lies for Tricking Others (2024)

FAQs

What is a believable lie? ›

A good lie is one that's ultimately believable: It'll sound like something you might have done or might want to do (but haven't actually done). A lie that's too far fetched will clearly sound fake, so try to think of lies that are similar to truths to make them as plausible-sounding as possible.

What are some lies to tell someone? ›

20 Common Lies
  • I'm fine, nothing's wrong.
  • I was stuck in traffic.
  • You look great in that [insert article of clothing here].
  • I only had one beer.
  • My phone died.
  • I had no way to contact you.
  • I never got the message.
  • I'll call you right back.
Aug 29, 2016

How to make 2 truths and a lie fun? ›

To have the most fun with this game, pick a lie that seems realistic and truths that seem far-fetched or fantastic. This game is usually played as an ice-breaker or a "get to know you" activity, so picking interesting truths about yourself can lead to some fascinating conversation.

What is the most common lie? ›

"I didn't see your message/call." "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions." "I'm fine." This is perhaps the most common lie people tell, with 60% of people admitting to telling this lie. Often used as a response to the question "How are you?" when they're really not feeling okay.

What is 3 truths and a lie? ›

How to play: Provide each person with two slips of paper and a pen or pencil. On one sheet of paper, instruct everyone to write down four statements about themselves. Three of the statements should be true and one of them should be false. Allow everyone about five minutes to come up with four good statements.

What is 2 truths and a lie icebreaker? ›

The principle is simple: everyone makes three statements about themselves, two being true and one false. The aim is for the group to find out which is which. You can combine this activity with the other wide selection of icebreakers, which aim to help team members to bond and enhance teamwork.

What are honest lies? ›

An honest lie is something that you do not tell for your own benefit, but because it is the right thing to do.

What is an example of lying is good? ›

“Say, if someone cooks something for you, and it just doesn't taste good. Well, if they're applying for cooking school somewhere, the prosocial thing is to be honest, so that they can improve. But if they just cooked it on their own just for you, then perhaps it's better to lie and say it tastes good.

What are the three common lies? ›

The three most commonly referred to are lies of commission, lies of omission, and lies of influence, aka character lies.

What are the 5 ways to lie? ›

Here are the most common ways liars said they lie:
  • They make eye contact. ...
  • They control their facial expressions. ...
  • They act calm and confident. ...
  • They don't fidget. ...
  • They act emotional. ...
  • They manage their tone and pitch. ...
  • They control the details.
Dec 14, 2023

What are white lies in a relationship? ›

Merriam-Webster says it's a lie told about something that's unimportant or small. The intent of a white lie is to avoid hurting another person.

How to do 2 truths and a lie for kids? ›

Try to trick everyone with three (3) statements about yourself. Two of them must be True and the third statement is a complete Lie. Everyone will vote on which statement about yourself is the Lie.

How to play 2 truths and a lie with kids? ›

Two Truths and a Lie is a classic Icebreaker game which is commonly used in workplaces and schools. Each participant must write down or say two things about themselves which are true, as well as one which is a lie. The other players must then try to guess which of the statements is a lie.

How do you write a good lie? ›

To build your tall-tales, weave your lies in with glimpses of truth. Because when you tell the truth, conscious or not- regardless of it's company, people can tell. Brevity is your friend, but what convinces a person is the feeling you convey in the details you choose.

What are the two main types of lies? ›

There are two primary ways to lie: to conceal and to falsify. In concealing, the liar withholds some information without actually saying anything untrue. In falsifying, an additional step is taken. Not only does the liar withhold true information, but one presents false information as if it were true.

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