company manners

Idioms  

1. One's best behavior, as in George never interrupts when we have guests; he has fine company manners. This term employs company in the sense of “guests.” An older variant, Tell me thy company and I'll tell thee thy manners, uses company in the sense of “companions.” The current term implies that one is more mindful of politeness with invited guests.

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Example Sentences

Talking to a human friend required me to switch gears and put on company manners…by which I mean, any manners whatsoever.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It does seem pleasant to be quiet, and not have company manners on all the time. Home is a nice place, though it isn’t splendid,” said Meg, looking about her with a restful expression, as she sat with her mother and Jo on the Sunday evening.

From Literature

I could not help thinking that it might be harder if the butcher’s time and attention were diverted from dear Mrs. Pocket; but I said nothing, and indeed had enough to do in keeping a bashful watch upon my company manners.

From Literature

She say this was a meal like a princess would eat, and we ought to pretend we in long dresses at a fancy dinner and use “company manners.”

From Literature

Calpurnia was wearing her company manners.

From Literature