Gregory House says the diagnostic department’s famous motto, “Everybody lies,” in House M.D. The line summarizes his belief that patients routinely conceal information, whether intentionally or because they misunderstand their own behavior.
House treats each case like a mystery. He looks for inconsistencies between a patient’s story, observed behavior, test results, and physical symptoms, arguing that an undisclosed fact may be the key to the diagnosis.
The phrase is a recurring principle rather than a complete statement of medical ethics. The series uses it to explain House’s investigative style, but other doctors often challenge the way he applies suspicion and deception to patient care.
The quotation is sometimes attributed to Wilson or used as though it were the show’s official title. It belongs to House’s character and reflects his detective-inspired approach to diagnosis.