Mind your Ps and Qs

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Meaning

To watch your manners or behavior carefully, staying polite and proper.

Origin

From 18th-century Britain, possibly tied to printers; 'p' and 'q' mirrored in type, needing care, slang by 1779 for manners. Or tavern tabs; 'pints' and 'quarts'; minding drinks, as in a 1602 play hint.

Variants

  • Ps and Qs

Usage Examples

  • Mind your Ps and Qs at Grandma's; be polite!
  • He minded his Ps and Qs around the new boss.
  • Mind your Ps and Qs; this is a fancy event.

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