White lie's are dangerous.

I once had a problem with a database. The problem was simple, but its one of those times that you simply overlook the main troubling cause. And also one of those days when your mind is not just working to full capacity.

After a few tries, I just said, I cant seem to find what the problem is. Plus, I also said, I am missing something, but dont know what it is.

That was probably the best answer rather than saying, Its all good, something wrong in the application side of things, thats where the problem is, not on the db side.

Saved me from embarrassment, because my colleague was able to resolve it. Though it took him a day too.

But the management was appreciative of my honesty.