What recurring phrase about patients is associated with House M.D.?

The recurring phrase associated with House M.D. is “Everybody lies.” Gregory House uses it to express his belief that patients conceal information, whether intentionally or because they misunderstand, forget, or feel embarrassed by what happened.

The phrase reflects one of the show’s central ideas: diagnosis depends not only on symptoms and tests but also on questioning the reliability of a patient’s story. House therefore challenges statements that other doctors might accept at face value.

“Everybody Lies” is also the title of the third-season premiere, which aired in 2006. The wording became one of the program’s best-known catchphrases and is closely associated with House’s skeptical worldview.

The line should not be read as a literal medical rule. Real clinicians rely on respectful communication, medical histories, examinations, and evidence rather than assuming every patient is deliberately dishonest.