GEN1245 If forced to alter the truth, one should still try to minimize the falsehood to the greatest possible extent.   Chofetz Chaim, Hilchos Rechilus 1:8   When falsehood is prohibited, it is prohibited in any form, great or small, even by creating a false impression through partial truths.   Even when it is permitted to alter the truth, we are still required to alter as little as possible (with saying half-truths, ambiguous statements, diversionary tactics, etc.). Ibid. If, however, one judges that these strategies will only arouse the other party’s suspicions and make matters worse, then to say an outright falsehood is permitted at the outset. Niv Sefasaim, Ch. 2 par. 12. When Yaakov Avinu came to his father impersonating Esav, as he was commanded to do, he avoided outright lying by saying, “I am   … Esav your eldest,” leaving room for the ambiguous explanation, “I am who I am, Esav is your eldest” [this verse; see Rashi]. EHRMAN 96