«كِلْمَهْ بَاطِلْ تُجْبُرِ الْخَاطِرْ»

The saying holds that a kind reply, even one that is hollow, idle, or not strictly true, does more good than silence or a cold dismissal. Answering someone, rather than turning away, preserves their dignity and eases their hurt at being slighted.

It also excuses a gentle, flattering word offered to someone weaker or lower in standing, if it lifts their spirits and repairs a wounded heart. This is not a general approval of dishonesty; compassion is weighed above strict accuracy only in small, kindly exchanges.

Suitable when urging someone to answer a person kindly rather than ignore or rebuff them, especially someone of lower standing or in a vulnerable moment. It can gently excuse a small comforting word, not dishonesty in general.