mind your p's and q's

Cultural  

1. Pay attention to details: “We want this operation to run smoothly, so everyone please mind your p's and q's.” When learning to write, children often reverse these letters, so the teacher would admonish the students to be extra careful when writing them.

---

Example Sentences

Being aware of how to mind your p's and q's in each of those places is essential to getting by or possibly moving up in the world.

From Salon • Nov. 24, 2022

Let me say right here that the clerk of the court is a knowing fellow, and you want to mind your p's and q's.

From Tin-Types Taken in the Streets of New York A Series of Stories and Sketches Portraying Many Singular Phases of Metropolitan Life by Beard, Harry

My mother's the cook here; you'll have to mind your p's and q's or else you'll be dropped on.

From Esther Waters by Moore, George (George Augustus)

"You'll have to mind your p's and q's with Mrs. Elliott," said Nan.

From Rainbow Valley by Montgomery, L. M. (Lucy Maud)

Yes, if you didn’t mind your p’s and q’s.

From The New Mistress A Tale by Fenn, George Manville