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to mind one's p's and q's
2-
to mind one's language
3-
on one's best behavior
4-
politically correct
5-
Queensberry rules
6-
to put one's best foot forward
7-
to stand on ceremony
8-
watch one's mouth
9-
to pardon one's French
10-
as a matter of form
11-
to show somebody the door
12-
to keep a civil tongue
13-
to mince one's words
14-
to pull one's punches
15-
to make up for
to [mind] {one's} p's and q's
To mind one's p's and q's
us flag
/mˈaɪnd wˈʌnz pˈiːs ænd kjˈuːz/
Spelling
Stäng
Logga in
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Fras
IdiomIdiom

to do one's best to be as proper and polite as one is capable of

example
Exempel
click on words
Minding your Ps and Qs in London is akin to respectful bows and nods in Singapore.
We knew to mind our p's and q's around our aunt.
When you're at the formal dinner with our clients, be sure to mind your p's and q's.
What is the origin of the idiom "mind one's p's and q's" and when to use it?

The idiom "mind one's p's and q's" has uncertain origins, but it is believed to have emerged in 17th-century England. It's a saying that emphasizes the need to pay close attention to one's manners, behavior, or words, especially in social or formal settings. The "p's" and "q's" in this context are often thought to represent particular letters, possibly in a printer's or typesetter's perspective, emphasizing the importance of being careful and precise.

to [mind|watch] {one's} (language|tongue)
To mind one's language
us flag
/mˈaɪnd wˈɑːtʃ wˈʌnz lˈæŋɡwɪdʒ tˈʌŋ/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom

to speak in a manner that is not inappropriate, vulgar, or offensive

What is the origin of the idiom "mind one's language" and when to use it?

The idioms "mind one's language" has its origins in the idea that the words one chooses to speak can have significant consequences, and it is important to be cautious about the language you use. The phrase is often used to remind someone to speak more politely, refrain from using offensive or inappropriate words, or exercise self-control in their speech. The idiom highlight the importance of choosing one's words carefully to avoid causing offense or misunderstanding.

On one's best behavior
us flag
/ˌɑːn wˈʌnz bˈɛst bɪhˈeɪvjɚ/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

as polite and well-mannered as one can be

What is the origin of the idiom "on one's best behavior" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "on one's best behavior" is not precisely documented, but it likely comes from the general idea of being well-mannered and polite in social situations. The word "behavior" refers to how one conducts themselves in social interactions. It is used to describe individuals who are making a conscious effort to exhibit good conduct and manners, usually to make a positive impression on others.

politically correct
Politically correct
us flag
/pəlˈɪɾɪkli kɚɹˈɛkt/
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Fras
FormalFormal
IdiomIdiom

(of people, their words, or behavior) not offensive to people of different races, ethnicities, genders, etc.

What is the origin of the idiom "politically correct" and when to use it?

The idiom "politically correct" emerged in the mid-20th century and gained popularity in the 1980s. It originally referred to language or actions that were perceived as sensitive to various social, cultural, and political concerns. Politically correct language and behavior aimed to avoid marginalizing or offending certain groups or individuals, particularly those who had historically been disadvantaged or discriminated against. Over time, the phrase "politically correct" has been both positively embraced for promoting diversity and criticized for being overly cautious or restrictive in speech and behavior.

Queensberry rules
Queensberry rules
us flag
/kwˈiːnsbɛɹi ɹˈuːlz/
(god etikett)

(god etikett)

Queensberry-regler

Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

behavior that is acceptable and considered to be appropriate within a certain setting

What is the origin of the idiom "Queensberry rules" and when to use it?

The idiom "Queensberry rules" originally refers to a code of conduct and regulations for boxing, established in the 19th century by the Marquess of Queensberry, John Sholto Douglas. These rules were created to standardize and promote fair and safe competition in the sport of boxing. They introduced key principles, including the use of padded gloves, the prohibition of hitting below the belt, and the use of a count when a boxer is knocked down. Over time, the phrase "Queensberry rules" has been adapted more broadly to describe a set of rules or standards for acceptable behavior within a specific setting or context.

Grammatiska Information:

Sammansatt Substantiv
to [put] {one's} best foot forward
To put one's best foot forward
us flag
/pˌʊt wˈʌnz bˈɛst fˈʊt fˈoːɹwɚd/
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Fras

to try to behave in the best way possible so as to make a good impression or gain approval

to [stand] on ceremony
To stand on ceremony
us flag
/stˈænd ˌɑːn sˈɛɹɪməni/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom

to behave in an overly polite and formal manner

What is the origin of the idiom "stand on ceremony" and when to use it?

The idiom "stand on ceremony" is believed to have originated in the late 16th century. Its precise historical origin isn't well-documented, but it likely evolved from the idea that formal ceremonies and traditional rituals often involving specific rules and rituals. This phrase is often used to describe a person or group who insists on formalities or protocol even when it may not be required or is considered burdensome.

watch {one's} [mouth]
Watch one's mouth
us flag
/wˈɑːtʃ wˈʌnz mˈaʊθ/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom

used to tell a person that they should talk in a way that is not rude, vulgar, or offensive

What is the origin of the idiom "watch one's mouth" and when to use it?

The idiom "watch one's mouth" originated from the idea of keeping a close eye on what one says or how one expresses oneself. It is often used to advise or warn someone to be more careful with their words and to avoid using offensive or disrespectful language, especially when they might be speaking inappropriately or insensitively. This phrase is typically used in informal conversations and carries the implication that the speaker should exercise self-control in their speech.

to (pardon|excuse) {one's} (French|language)
To pardon one's French
us flag
/pˈɑːɹdən ɔːɹ ɛkskjˈuːs wˈʌnz fɹˈɛntʃ ɔːɹ lˈæŋɡwɪdʒ/
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Fras
HumorousHumorous
IdiomIdiom

used to apologize for swearing or using offensive words

What is the origin of the idiom "pardon one's French" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "pardon one's French" is believed to date back to the 19th century. During this time, French was often associated with elegance and sophistication. When people wanted to use strong or offensive language, they might have jokingly used the phrase "pardon my French" as a way to apologize for using words that were considered impolite. It is now used humorously to acknowledge the use of inappropriate language, with "French" serving as a metaphor for such language.

as a matter of form
As a matter of form
us flag
/æz ɐ mˈæɾɚɹ ʌv fˈɔːɹm/
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Fras
FormalFormal
IdiomIdiom

said of something that is done only for the sake of formality or just to keep up appearances

What is the origin of the idiom "as a matter of form" and when to use it?

The idiom "as a matter of form" is used to indicate that something is done as a standard procedure or out of habit rather than due to necessity or specific intention. It implies that a particular action or behavior is carried out in accordance with established rules, conventions, or customary practices. This phrase is often used in formal settings to describe actions taken because they are required by regulations or tradition.

to [show] {sb} the door
To show somebody the door
us flag
/ʃˈoʊ ˌɛsbˈiː ðə dˈoːɹ/
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Fras
FormalFormal
IdiomIdiom

to accompany a guest, visitor, etc. to the exit of a room or building

What is the origin of the idiom "show someone the door" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "show someone the door" refers to physically accompanying a guest, visitor, or individual to the exit of a room or building. It is a polite way of indicating that someone is no longer welcome or that their presence is no longer desired. This phrase is often used when someone is being asked to leave a place, either due to the end of an event or for other reasons.

to [keep] a civil tongue
To keep a civil tongue
us flag
/kˈiːp ɐ sˈɪvəl tˈʌŋ/
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Fras
FormalFormal
IdiomIdiom

to speak in a manner marked by politeness and dignity

What is the origin of the idiom "keep a civil tongue" and when to use it?

The idiom "keep a civil tongue" has its origins in the idea of maintaining politeness and respectful communication, especially when discussing sensitive matters or engaging in conversations with others. It emphasizes the importance of using considerate and courteous language when interacting with people. This phrase is typically used to encourage or remind someone to speak with respect and good manners.

to [mince] {one's} words
To mince one's words
us flag
/mɪns wʌnz wɜːdz/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom

to choose words carefully so as to avoid offense or give an impression different from the truth

What is the origin of the idiom "mince one's words" and when to use it?

The idiom "mince one's words" has its origins in the idea of carefully choosing words and speaking with delicacy or subtlety, often to avoid being too blunt or direct. It implies that a person is being considerate in their communication, typically by using a more measured or indirect approach. This phrase is often used when someone is offering a sensitive opinion, critique, or feedback and doesn't want to be overly harsh or confrontational.

to [pull] {one's} punches
To pull one's punches
us flag
/pˈʊl wˈʌnz pˈʌntʃᵻz/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to deliberately hold back or lessen the force or impact of one's actions, often to avoid causing harm or offense

What is the origin of the idiom "pull one's punches" and when to use it?

The idiom "pull one's punches" originates from boxing, where "pulling punches" means to throw a punch with less force or intensity than one could. In a broader sense, the phrase is used to describe the act of not putting one's full effort into something, often to be less critical or less forceful when expressing opinions, criticism, or feedback.

to make up for
To make up for
us flag
/mˌeɪk ˌʌp fɔːɹ/
(äga för)

(äga för)

kompensera för

Fras
InformalInformal

to do something in order to replace something lost or fix something damaged

Grammatiska Information:

Transitivt
Fraser Status
inseparable

Grattis! !

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