What may appear to be a plot-in-the-making, which should be exposed before it materializes, may sometimes be nothing more than meaningless talk. If one overhears others plotting to harm someone, he may not inform the potential victim unless there is sound basis for assuming that the plotters are serious.
Occasionally, people deal with anger and frustration by fantasizing, plotting and threatening with no real intent of translating their words into action. In such situations, the well-meaning bystander who conveys information is guilt of speaking loshon hora, rechilus and hotzaas shem ra (slander).
