What phrase does House M.D. repeatedly associate with human behavior?

“Everybody lies” is the phrase House M.D. repeatedly associates with human behavior. Gregory House uses it to express his belief that patients conceal information, misunderstand events, or present misleading accounts of their symptoms.

The line reflects the show’s diagnostic philosophy: doctors cannot always treat a patient’s story as complete evidence. House therefore looks for objective clues in test results, environments, habits, and relationships, often investigating details that other physicians overlook.

The phrase is a recurring theme rather than a literal claim that every person lies constantly. The series also shows that patients may withhold information because they feel ashamed, fear judgment, misunderstand their symptoms, or want to protect someone else.

“Everybody lies” became one of House’s best-known catchphrases and is closely associated with the character. It is often quoted alongside his other recurring line, “Everybody dies,” but the two phrases have different meanings and uses.