Possible Clues:

• Unimportant misdemeanour? We'll protect one who is successful priest
• I wheel it out when a tactful comment is required
• Pardonable remark to rest on what bride's wearing
• Good fiction?
• "The dog ate my homework," e.g.
• Minor untruth, a pale fib
• Minor falsehood
• An unimportant departure from of the truth
• Tactful deception
• 'Oh yes, I love that dress,' maybe