We like to believe we’re good at spotting liars. But dishonesty isn’t always about bold-faced lies or grand manipulations. Sometimes, it’s subtle. It shows up in quiet omissions, shifting stories, or even a refusal to confront the truth.
Psychologists have long studied the behavioral cues and cognitive habits of dishonest people. These aren’t just quirks—they’re consistent patterns that reflect deeper personality traits.
Let’s explore nine signs that someone isn’t a very honest person, backed by insights from psychology.
1. They give vague or overly complicated answers
Honest people tend to speak clearly and directly. Dishonest people, on the other hand, often use vague, convoluted language to avoid revealing the full truth.
According to a study, liars tend to include fewer details in their stories and are more likely to use noncommittal phrases like “maybe,” “kind of,” or “I think” to dodge accountability.
Their explanations often leave you feeling more confused than informed—which, of course, is the point.
Red flag: If someone frequently overexplains or keeps circling around a topic without ever giving a direct answer, they might be hiding something.
2. They avoid eye contact—or force too much of it
Contrary to popular belief, liars don’t always avoid eye contact. Some do—but others overcompensate by staring too intently in an attempt to seem sincere.
Psychologist Paul Ekman, a pioneer in the study of facial expressions and deception, found that extreme eye behavior—either avoiding or overdoing it—can be a signal that someone is managing impressions rather than speaking openly.
It’s not about a quick glance or occasional awkwardness. It’s about a persistent pattern of unnatural eye behavior.
Watch for: Shifty eyes, excessive blinking, or forced eye contact that doesn’t match the emotional tone of what they’re saying.
3. They change their story over time
One of the hallmarks of an honest person is consistency.
Liars often revise their stories—not to add clarity, but to patch up earlier inconsistencies.
The problem? They forget the small details they invented.
An honest person might clarify or elaborate, but their core story doesn’t fundamentally shift. A dishonest person’s narrative tends to evolve to fit what they think you know—or what they think will get them off the hook.
Tip: When someone’s version of events keeps changing in key ways, take note. That’s a classic psychological sign of dishonesty.
4. They deflect or get defensive when questioned
Honest people don’t mind being asked for clarification. If they’re telling the truth, they usually welcome the chance to explain further.
But dishonest individuals often react to basic questions with irritation, sarcasm, or aggression. This is a psychological defense mechanism—they’re trying to intimidate you into dropping the subject.
This tactic, known as “DARVO” (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender), is a form of emotional manipulation that shifts the blame back to you for even asking.
5. They lack transparency about small things
If someone can’t be honest about small matters, what happens when the stakes are higher?
Research in behavioral ethics shows that minor acts of dishonesty are often a gateway to larger deception. Dan Ariely, in his book The (Honest) Truth About Dishonesty, explains how people who fudge the truth on small things slowly condition themselves to justify bigger lies.
So when someone frequently “forgets” details, withholds minor information, or tells half-truths to make themselves look better, it’s worth paying attention.
Insight: Small lies are often test runs for bigger ones.
6. They avoid accountability or blame others constantly
A core trait of dishonest people is a refusal to take responsibility.
Instead of admitting when they’re wrong, they point fingers, make excuses, or scapegoat others. Psychologists call this externalization of blame, and it’s strongly linked with narcissistic tendencies and dishonest behavior.
In contrast, honest people are willing to own their mistakes—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Sign to notice: If someone always plays the victim or blames everyone but themselves, their honesty may be questionable.
7. They’re overly concerned with appearing honest
Honest people don’t need to constantly tell you they’re trustworthy. Their behavior speaks for itself.
But dishonest individuals often overemphasize their integrity. They’ll say things like “I swear on my life,” “Trust me, I’m being honest,” or “You have to believe me”—especially when no one asked them to.
According to a 2017 study, deceptive people are more likely to use “prosocial” language to appear virtuous. They highlight their honesty precisely because it’s in doubt.
Tell-tale sign: Someone who talks too much about their honesty may be trying to convince you—and themselves.
8. They show inconsistent body language
Human communication isn’t just verbal. When someone is lying, their body often betrays them.
Psychologists have identified several nonverbal cues that tend to accompany deception:
- Fidgeting or self-soothing gestures (like touching the neck or face)
- Inconsistent facial expressions
- Delayed reactions or mismatched tone and expression (e.g., saying “I’m happy” while frowning)
These inconsistencies stem from the brain’s struggle to manage two conflicting narratives: the lie and the truth. Honest people don’t have that cognitive dissonance.
What to look for: If their words say one thing but their body language says another, trust your gut.
9. You just feel something’s “off”
This isn’t just intuition—there’s science behind it.
People can often detect dishonesty even if they can’t articulate why. Our brains pick up on micro-signals—like inconsistent emotional cues or subtle voice changes—that don’t align with the content of what’s being said.
So if you’re talking to someone and something just feels “off,” don’t dismiss that feeling.
Honest communication has a rhythm and congruence to it. Dishonesty often feels disjointed, awkward, or subtly manipulative.
Final takeaway: Intuition is the brain’s pattern recognition system working overtime. Listen to it.
Closing thoughts: honesty is a mirror
We all want to believe the best in others. But honesty isn’t just about what people say—it’s about what they choose not to say, how they act when questioned, and whether their words match their behavior.
Being mindful of these nine signs can help you navigate relationships, business, and life with more awareness. It doesn’t mean becoming paranoid—but it does mean being grounded in psychological insight.
As I often write in Hidden Secrets of Buddhism, truth isn’t just a virtue—it’s a practice. And the more we surround ourselves with honesty, the more peace and clarity we invite into our lives.
