Idiom
mind your Ps and Qs
Meanings
To be very polite and careful about your manners in a social or formal situation.
To be cautious about what you say or do to avoid causing offense or trouble.
Definition
Be very polite and careful about your manners and what you say or do.
To mind your Ps and Qs means to behave politely and pay close attention to your manners. It is often used as advice or a warning before meeting important people or entering a formal situation. It can also mean being careful not to offend anyone with your words or behavior.
Examples
- Before you meet my grandparents, mind your Ps and Qs.
- He had to mind his Ps and Qs at the company banquet.
- If you want to keep that job, you’d better mind your Ps and Qs.
- She reminded the kids to mind their Ps and Qs at the wedding.
- In front of the press, the coach always minds his Ps and Qs.
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