7 body language signs someone isn’t being entirely honest with you, according to experts

They’re sitting across from you, words spilling out in a steady stream—but deep down, you already know it’s all a lie.

Every phrase sounds rehearsed, and your instincts are on high alert, picking up subtle signals they probably don’t even realize they’re giving away.

Body language experts say that no matter how polished a lie may seem, the truth inevitably slips out in a quick glance or a nervous gesture.

In this article, we’ll reveal 7 telling body language signs that suggest someone isn’t being entirely honest, helping you see beyond their words to what they’re really hiding.

1) They’re avoiding eye contact

Ah, the age-old belief that liars avoid eye contact. Is it merely a myth, or does it hold some truth?

There’s more truth to it than you might think.

Typically, when someone is being honest, they maintain steady eye contact—it’s a sign of engagement and connection. But when someone is fabricating a story or hiding the truth, they instinctively avert their gaze.

That said, not every glance away signals deception. Too much eye contact can also feel unnatural and uncomfortable.

However, if you notice a consistent pattern of eye avoidance, particularly during key moments in the conversation, it could be a subtle clue that they’re not being entirely forthcoming.

2) Their body language is closed off

Ever heard of the term “defensive body language“?

It’s a common psychological concept that refers to the subtle, non-verbal cues people display when they feel threatened, uncomfortable, or insecure. Interestingly, these cues surface when someone isn’t being entirely honest.

Defensive body language is an instinctive reaction, signaling that a person is trying to protect themselves from perceived harm—emotional or otherwise.

Closed-off gestures can take many forms. For example, crossing arms over the chest, leaning away, or even creating a physical barrier by holding an object like a purse or a coffee mug are all classic signs.

These actions suggest that the person is not fully engaged or is subconsciously guarding themselves against scrutiny or vulnerability.

3) They’re overly expressive

While some people exhibit closed-off body language when being dishonest, others react in the opposite way.

Instead of retreating, they may become overly expressive.

This can manifest as exaggerated hand gestures, dramatic facial expressions, or even a noticeable increase in their voice volume.

At first, this might seem counter-intuitive. After all, wouldn’t someone trying to deceive want to avoid drawing attention to themselves?

The reason behind this behavior is simple: they’re attempting to make their lie seem more convincing.

By becoming more animated, they hope to engage you more deeply and make their story appear more authentic. It’s almost as if they’re putting on a performance, trying to sell the lie to both you and themselves.

4) Their response time is off

The timing of a person’s responses can reveal a lot about their honesty.

When someone is being truthful, their answers typically flow naturally and at a consistent pace.

Since they don’t need to fabricate or recall a lie, their replies are spontaneous and fluid.

On the other hand, when someone is being dishonest, their timing can become irregular.

They might pause too long as they work to construct a believable story, or conversely, they may respond too quickly, revealing that the answer was rehearsed in advance.

5) They touch their face more often

This one might surprise you, but it’s backed by psychology: when people lie, they tend to touch their face more often.

This could be due to a variety of reasons:

• An increase in anxiety
• Unconscious self-soothing behavior
• A desire to hide or mask their expressions

Noticing someone rubbing their nose, covering their mouth, or fidgeting with their hair excessively during a conversation might indicate they’re not being entirely upfront with you.

6) Their voice changes

One thing I’ve learned in my personal interactions is that our voices can betray us when we’re not being entirely honest.

I recall a time when a friend was trying to hide some bad news from me. Her voice became unusually high-pitched, and she started speaking faster than normal. It was a subtle change, but it immediately caught my attention and made me wonder what she was hiding.

As Publilius Syrus wisely said, “Speech is the mirror of the soul.”

Our voices reveal what words alone cannot, especially under stress. When people lie, their voices can change due to the tension they experience, becoming quicker, shakier, or higher-pitched.

These unconscious shifts can be powerful indicators that something isn’t quite right.

7) They seem nervous or uncomfortable

Imagine you’re having a conversation with a friend. They’re fidgeting, constantly shifting in their seat, perhaps even sweating a little. Would you take their words at face value, or would you start questioning their honesty?

Lying or hiding something brings signs of nervousness or discomfort to the surface.

The mental effort involved in deception generates stress, which frequently manifests physically.

You might observe sweaty palms, shifting posture, or other subtle cues that suggest something’s not quite right.

But what if this friend is typically calm and composed? Their sudden unease might raise red flags. It’s the contrast between their usual behavior and the current signs of stress that can make their honesty seem doubtful.

What now?

So, you’ve learned about the various body language signs that someone may not be being entirely honest with you. The question is, what do you do with this information?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Use it as a tool for understanding, not accusing: These signs are not definitive proof of dishonesty. They’re simply indicators that can help you make more informed decisions in your interactions.
• Practice empathy: Everyone has their reasons for not being entirely honest sometimes. It’s essential to approach these situations with understanding and empathy.
• Communicate: If you feel someone isn’t being honest with you, it might be worth having an open and honest conversation about it. Sometimes, direct communication can resolve misunderstandings and strengthen relationships.

Body language is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s important to consider the whole picture — the person, the context, and the situation — before drawing conclusions.