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.

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Example Sentences

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mind your p's and q's

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

Now you know the meaning of mind your p’s and q’s.

From The Story of Antony Grace by George Manville Fenn

She's a queer old cove, and if you don't mind your p's and q's she will take your head off.

From Bessie's Fortune A Novel by Mary Jane Holmes

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

From The New Mistress A Tale by George Manville Fenn

There won't be any salary in it for the first year, but if you mind your p's and q's, they'll probably give you something as a gift at the end of that time.

From The Financier, a novel by Theodore Dreiser

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