It's wrong to give people false hope.
Penny is the judge for an art contest her friend has entered and her friend keeps asking about what the judges are planning to do.
Penny wants to spare her friend's feelings because she does not believe her friend's art is good enough.
Penny lets her friend know that others have submitted very good entries and the judges will probably pick one of them.
Penny dodges her friend's questions and gives vague answers about how she thinks her friend still has a good chance.
Penny's friend is a little disappointed but understands.
Penny's friend gets her hopes up and ends up very disappointed when she doesn't win.