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Region: General | Usage example: Mind your Ps and Qs at the dinner party.

Mind your Ps and Qs

Meaning

Mind your manners or behavior.

Usage

Warns someone to behave properly.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Possible reference to printers' shorthand or pints and quarts in taverns.

19th century British pubs and print shops used the phrase.