The truth usually costs something today and pays you back with interest later.

A lie is a loan taken out against your future, and the repayment schedule is not up to you. Telling the truth costs something immediately, usually a difficult hour or a lowered opinion, and then the debt is closed. What accumulates instead is the thing you cannot buy, which is people believing you the next time.

When you are weighing the awkward honest answer against the smooth one, price in the maintenance. Say the true thing and let the hour be uncomfortable. It is finished by tomorrow.