We like to think we can read people, yet most of us miss the small verbal habits that give a story away. Dan Cogdell, a courtroom attorney from Houston with more than four decades in criminal law, says deception is far more common than we admit. In a viral TikTok, he argued that everyone tells a few lies a day, sometimes out of politeness rather than malice. The point, he says, is not to panic, but to notice patterns that often show up when someone is trying to steer you away from the truth.
One of the biggest giveaways is when a person starts with something like “as far as I remember.” Cogdell believes this phrasing can be a quick way to create distance from a clear answer while the speaker buys time to construct a version that sounds believable. It is not proof on its own, but it can signal that the person is carefully choosing words rather than simply recalling facts. In everyday conversations, it can sound harmless, but in tense moments it is worth clocking.
Another phrase that raises his eyebrows is “to be honest.” It sounds reassuring, yet it can land like a spotlight being switched on. If someone needs to announce honesty, it can make you wonder why honesty was in question at all. Cogdell’s take is blunt, because he has heard every kind of preface used as a shield before a shaky explanation.
He also warns about sweeping statements like “I always” and “I never.” Absolute claims are easy to say and hard to live up to, which is why they can feel like overcompensation. People rarely behave in perfect extremes, especially when a situation is messy or emotional. When a person insists they would never do something, the language can sound more like a performance than a memory.
@cogdelllawuncensored Five phrases that are “tells” that someone is likely lying #lawyer #5things #lying #honestly ♬ original sound – Cogdell Law Uncensored
A classic stalling tactic is repeating the question back to you. Instead of responding, the person echoes your words as if they are processing, when they may be giving themselves a few extra seconds to assemble an acceptable answer. Cogdell notes there can be exceptions, including echolalia, which can appear in people with ADHD, so it is important not to jump to conclusions. Still, if it happens alongside other red flags, it can add weight to your suspicion.
The final tell is deflection, when the conversation suddenly becomes about your question rather than their behavior. If you ask something direct and the response turns defensive or accusatory, it can be a sign they are dodging the point. Cogdell stresses that context matters, including how well you know the person and what their normal speaking style is, and he adds that body language can be just as revealing as words. He even jokes that lawyers are among the best at bending the truth, while admitting he has lied when he believed the truth would cause unnecessary pain.
What phrases instantly make your lie detector go off, and which ones do you think are unfairly suspicious? Share your thoughts in the comments.
