5 ways to tell if a person is lying

Observe the rapid movements of the face: eyebrows snapping, a smile fading, lips briefly tightening. These microexpressions last less than a second and can contradict words. If they appear immediately after a question, they indicate suppressed emotions. Repeated facial incongruities are a signal not to ignore.

When body language does not match the narrative, something is off. Saying "yes" while shaking your head, or covering your mouth while speaking, can reveal discomfort. Gestures coming late after words or appearing stiff. This lack of synchrony is often linked to a dishonest story.

Someone who is lying may fill their speech with too many details to seem credible, or remain vague to avoid questions. Notice if the details change every time they repeat the story. Ask them to tell the events in reverse: made-up versions tend to collapse. Consistency and stability of the facts are a good test.

Very slow responses can indicate that the person is constructing a story, while too quick replies may seem rehearsed. Long silences, coughs, and fillers like "uhm" often come at critical points. Also, observe the breathing rate and voice changes. Altered rhythm is a clue, especially if sudden.

Not all liars avoid eye contact, but avoiding it along with crossed arms and closed posture is a red flag. Those who lie may get offended, change the subject, or attack to shift the focus. Simple questions receive overly formal or complicated answers. If multiple signs appear together, it is advisable to delve deeper.