Lying, in the analytic situation of essentially neurotic patients, is proposed to represent a re-enactment within the analysis and transference neurosis of a particular aspect of the oedipal conflict. These lies permit the partial recovery of old memories and perceptions; the emergence of certain unconscious wishes and fantasies, while simultaneously continuing to protect those wishes by a variety of mechanisms which are best conceptualized as "screen functions"; and the expression of resentment over being lied to by one or both of the oedipal objects. Connections are also made between the oedipally determined lie and an infantile primal-scene trauma.