Robert Thornton, a professor of economics at Leigh University in Bethlehem, PA, was frustrated about having to write letters of recommendation for people with dubious qualifications. So, he put together an arsenal of statements that can be read two ways. He calls his collection the “Lexicon of Inconspicuously Ambiguous Recommendations” or LIAR, for short.

To describe a person who is extremely lazy:

In my opinion you will be very fortunate to get this person to work for you.

To describe an ex-employee who had problems getting along with fellow workers:

I am pleased to say that this candidate is a former colleague of mine.

To describe a candidate who is so unproductive that the job would be better left unfilled:

I can assure you that no person would be better for the job.

To describe a job applicant who is not worth further consideration:

I would urge you to waste no time in making this candidate an offer of employment.

To describe a person with lackluster credentials:

All in all, I cannot say enough good things about this candidate or recommend him too highly.