mind one's P's and Q's
Watch your manners
To mind one's P's and Q's is to be careful about one's behavior or language, especially in formal situations: Mind your P's and Q's at dinner with the in-laws.
The phrase suggests attention to small details of conduct and manners.
Its origin is uncertain—theories involve printing, penmanship, or pub tabs—but none is established.
- politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
- good mannersSocially acceptable conduct
- meticulousnessExtreme carefulness in details
- dot the i'sComplete minor finishing details
- decorumFitting social conduct
best behavior · word choice · exactness · courtesy · propriety · proper etiquette · diplomacy · phrasing · tact · hold your tongue · discretion · scrupulousness · articulation · respectfulness · accuracy · civility · table manners · conscientiousness
mind one's P's and Q'sthrow caution to the wind
Act recklessly, disregarding consequences
let one's guard down · wing it · fly by the seat of one's pants · not give a damn · drop the ball
mind one's P's and Q'slet loose
Remove restraints from
let one's hair down · cut loose · go wild · throw caution to the wind · speak freely
mind, minds, minded, minding, mindful, mindless, mindfulness, ones