mind one's P's and Q's
be very careful about what one does or says

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

mind p's and q's
mind (your) p's and q's
to pay close attention to small details.
There had been two recent security problems in the company and everyone should mind their p's and q's.

mind/watch (your) p's and q's
[old-fashioned]
to make an effort to be polite.
You always felt as if you had to mind your p's and q's with Auntie Lil.

mind/watch (your) p's and q's
[old-fashioned]
to make an effort to be polite.
You always felt as if you had to mind your p's and q's with Auntie Lil.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

mind one's P's and Q's
be very careful about what one does or says
You should mind your P's and Q's and not say anything to offend your aunt.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

mind one's p's and q's
v. phr. To be very careful what you do or say; not make mistakes.
When the principal of the school visited the class the students all minded their p's and q's.
If you wish to succeed you must mind your p's and q's. (From the old U.S. Navy when sailors marked on a board in the bar how many Pints and Quarts of liquor they had taken. It was bad manners to cheat.)
Synonym: WATCH ONE'S STEP.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲