This article explores the status of impression management (IM) scales (“lie scales,” notably, BIDR‐IM) as measures of response bias, offers theory‐driven substantive meaning to them, and compares them with self‐deception enhancement (SDE). Study 1 (N = 99) compared self‐descriptions of actual self and ideal self given in a non‐anonymous setting. High similarity indicates self‐enhancement. Study 2 (70 dyads) analyzed self‐other agreement about IM and SDE. Agreement indicates substantive basis to the scales' scores. Study 3 (N = 182) explored the centrality of self‐control in the self‐perception of individuals varying in IM and SDE. Study 4 (95 dyads) corroborated self‐reports about self‐control using informants' reports. In Study 1, IM was associated with relative humility, whereas SDE was associated with self‐enhancement. In Study 2, strong self‐other agreement was found only for IM, indicating that high IM (but not SDE) is grounded in real‐life behavior. In Study 3, self‐control was central in the self‐perception of high IM and high SDE individuals. In Study 4, strong relations with self‐control were corroborated by informants only for IM. IM scales measure substantive content associated with self‐control aimed at social adaptation, whereas the SDE scale depicts individuals with a grandiose self‐perception, who fail to impress knowledgeable others.