Dealing with someone who can’t stop spinning stories? It’s frustrating, exhausting, and downright confusing at times. But you don’t have to just sit there nodding along. If you’re ready to call out a pathological liar, it’s all about being calm, firm, and a little strategic. Here are some things you can say to let them know their web of lies isn’t fooling you anymore.
1. “Wait a second—this doesn’t add up.”
Simple, direct, and impossible to ignore. This line says, “I’m paying attention, and your story has a whole lot of holes in it.” Liars thrive on people not questioning them, so when you point out all the inconsistencies, it can really shake their confidence. Keep your tone casual but firm—you’re not accusing, just stating the obvious. It’s amazing how quickly this can stop them in their tracks without turning into a full-blown argument.
2. “You’ve told me a few different versions of this.”
If you’ve heard the same story with a few too many “creative” edits, it’s time to call it out. This phrase lets them know you’re keeping track, and no, you’re not just going to shrug and pretend you didn’t notice. It’s not aggressive, but it puts them on the spot. Sometimes, the simplest acknowledgment of their inconsistencies might knock them off their perch.
3. “Are you sure that’s how it happened?”
This one’s a subtle zinger. You’re not outright saying, “You’re lying,” but you’re definitely planting the seed of doubt. It’s a low-pressure way to challenge their story and see how they react. If they get defensive or start fumbling, that’s usually a big giveaway. And if they double down? Well, now you know for sure where they stand.
4. “I’ve noticed some contradictions in what you’re saying.”
It’s like shining a flashlight on their half-baked story. Keep your tone calm and matter-of-fact—there’s no need to get dramatic. Just point out the gaps and let them squirm a little. The goal here isn’t to pick a fight, it’s to let them know you’re paying attention and you’re not afraid to speak up when something feels off.
5. “That’s funny because I heard something completely different.”
You’re not accusing them of lying outright, but you’re making it very clear that their version of events isn’t the only one out there. It’s a polite way of saying, “Your story doesn’t match up, and I’m not buying it.” It’s also a great way to see how they react under pressure—liars hate being caught in the middle.
6. “Why do you think I’m having a hard time believing this?”
Instead of going on the attack, make it their job to explain why their story isn’t passing the sniff test. This question forces them to reflect (or squirm) without you having to do much of the heavy lifting. It’s an easy way to hold them accountable while keeping things calm and conversational.
7. “You don’t have to make things up to impress me.”
Sometimes liars just want to feel important or liked. This line cuts right to the heart of it. You’re basically saying that see through their stories, but you’re also offering them a way out. It’s a disarming way to say, “I know you’re lying, but you don’t need to.” It can even open the door to a more honest and real connection—if they’re willing to take it.
8. “You’ve been caught in lies before—what’s going on here?”
This one’s for when you’re done playing nice. If they’ve lied repeatedly, it’s time to bring up the pattern. The key is to stay calm and factual—don’t let it turn into a shouting match. By calling out their behavior directly, you’re showing that you’re not afraid to address the elephant in the room and that their antics aren’t going unnoticed.
9. “Take your time—I want to hear the whole truth.”
This one is all about slowing things down. Liars need people to accept their stories quickly and without too many questions. By giving them space and emphasizing the importance of honesty, you’re subtly letting them know you’re not in a rush to believe them. It also gives you time to watch their body language and see if they’re sweating under the spotlight.
10. “I want to trust you, but this isn’t helping.”
Trust is everything, and this phrase lays it all out. You’re not just calling them out—you’re reminding them of the bigger picture. Lies erode trust, plain and simple. By framing it this way, you’re making it about the relationship, not just the lie. It’s a way to confront them while also giving them a chance to take responsibility and repair the damage.
11. “I’m confused—can you walk me through this again?”
Playing dumb can be surprisingly effective. It forces them to re-explain their story, which can be tricky if they’re making it up as they go. Liars often trip themselves up when asked to repeat details, so this tactic is a subtle way to test the strength of their tale without outright confrontation. Plus, it gives you a chance to catch any new inconsistencies.
12. “You’ve lied to me before—why should I believe you now?”
This is a straight-up power move. You’re laying all the cards on the table and making it clear that their credibility is shot. It’s not about being mean—it’s about setting boundaries and demanding honesty. If they try to brush it off or get defensive, it’s just more proof that they’re not ready to change. Either way, you’re standing your ground.
13. “How do you expect me to trust you if this keeps happening?”
This one hits right at the heart of the issue. Lies aren’t just about the story—they’re about the damage they do to trust. By pointing this out, you’re making them confront the long-term impact of their behavior. It’s not just about catching them in the act; it’s about addressing the bigger picture and letting them know their actions have consequences.
14. “Lying isn’t going to solve anything.”
Sometimes, you just have to cut to the chase. This line tells them that the jig is up. It’s a no-nonsense way to shift the conversation away from their lies and toward what really matters. Whether they admit to the lie or not, it’s a clear signal that you’re done playing games.
15. “The truth always comes out eventually.”
This one is calm, confident, and a little bit ominous. It’s not a direct accusation, but it leaves no doubt that you’re onto them. The idea that the truth is inevitable can make even the most confident liar start to second-guess themselves. It’s a powerful way to plant the seed that their deception isn’t as foolproof as they think.
This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.
