I'd tell your manager, they will appreciate being in the know, and will probably think up a cover story to get you and themselves out of the poop! I stick up for my colleagues the majority of the time, so long as they tell me the truth, but re-coach where ness. It's so easy to make a mistake. We all do it! A little while ago, I told a customer where to go. I couldn't believe I said it, my normal finely-tuned customer service skills went out the window that day! I told my manager immediately exactly what I had said - he stuck up for me :D