p's and q's

American  

noun

1. manners; behavior; conduct (usually preceded by mind orwatch ).

   The children were told to mind their p's and q's.

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p's and q's British  

plural noun

1. behaviour within social conventions; manners (esp in the phrase to mind one's p's and q's )

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Etymology

Origin of p's and q's

First recorded in 1770–80; perhaps from some children's difficulty in distinguishing the two letters

Example Sentences

Viewed this way, minding our p’s and q’s is less about proscriptive notions of correctness, and more about mindfulness, self-discovery and proper conduct.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 7, 2023

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

For parents worried that virtual assistants are encouraging bad manners in children, it’ll be a good way to prod the little ones to remember their p’s and q’s.

From The Verge • Nov. 29, 2018

"That's the biggest adjustment. It makes me lock in defensively. I know I have to be on my p's and q's."

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2018

She snaps back, “Now, you just mind your own p’s and q’s there!”

From "Shouting at the Rain" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt