What phrase is Dr. Gregory House especially known for saying in House M.D.?

Dr. Gregory House is especially known for saying, “Everybody lies.”

The phrase expresses one of the character’s central beliefs: patients may hide information, misunderstand symptoms, or provide inaccurate accounts, so doctors must evaluate evidence rather than accept every statement at face value. House uses the idea to justify aggressive questioning and unconventional diagnostic methods.

“Everybody lies” became a recurring slogan associated with the series, but it is not a complete description of House’s medical philosophy. He also repeatedly emphasizes observation, differential diagnosis, and the importance of testing assumptions. His distrust of patients is presented as both a useful diagnostic instinct and a source of ethical conflict.

The phrase is sometimes remembered as “Patients lie,” but the better-known wording connected with the show is “Everybody lies.” It also appears in the title of the second episode of the series, reinforcing its importance to the program’s identity.