mind one's ps and qs
Watch your manners
To mind one's ps and qs is to be careful about one's behavior, language, or manners—to watch what you say and do.
The phrase often appears as a warning or reminder: Mind your ps and qs at dinner with the in-laws.
The origin is uncertain, with various theories involving typesetters, bartenders, and schoolchildren learning penmanship, but none definitive.
- politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
- good mannersSocially acceptable conduct
- sorryExpressing regret or apology
- excuse meApology for minor intrusion
- pardon mePolite interruption phrase
courtesy · proper etiquette · accuracy · self-control · walking on eggshells · watch your step · decorum · situational awareness · civility · discipline · conscientiousness · please · grammar · cultural sensitivity · restraint · thank · yes sir · prudence
mind one's ps and qsforget one's manners
Lose one's courtesy
act out · misbehave · throw caution to the wind · make a scene · speak out of turn
mind one's ps and qslet loose
Remove restraints from
cut loose · let one's hair down · go wild · throw caution to the wind · speak one's mind
mind one's ps and qsthrow caution to the wind
Act recklessly, disregarding consequences
let it all hang out · let one's hair down · run wild · go off the rails · lose one's head
mind, minds, minded, minding, mindful, mindfully, mindfulness, unmindful, reminder