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Behavior & Approach - Behaving Politely

Discover how English idioms like "keep a civil tongue" and "stand on ceremony" relate to behaving politely in English.

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English idioms related to Behavior & Approach
to [mind] {one's} p's and q's

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

Ex: Mind your p's and q's at dinner tonight; her parents are very formal. 
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to [mind|watch] {one's} (language|tongue)

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

Ex: Watch your language; there are children in the room. 
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on {one's} best behavior

as polite and well-mannered as one can be

Ex: The kids were on their best behavior while the guests were visiting. 
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politically correct

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

Ex: The company asked writers to use politically correct language in the brochure. 
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Queensberry rules

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

Ex: We can disagree, but let's keep to Queensberry rules: no personal insults. 
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to [put] {one's} best foot forward

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

Ex: Put your best foot forward at the interview and speak with confidence. 
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to [stand] on ceremony

to behave in an overly polite and formal manner

Ex: Don't stand on ceremony; just come in and sit down. 
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watch {one's} [mouth]

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

Ex: Watch your mouth; that's no way to speak to your mother. 
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to (pardon|excuse) {one's} (French|language)

used to apologize for swearing or using offensive words

Ex: This plan is a mess, excuse my French. 
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as a matter of form

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

Ex: The committee asked a few questions as a matter of form, but the decision had already been made. 
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to [show] {sb} the door

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

Ex: After the meeting, the assistant showed the visitors the door. 
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to [keep] a civil tongue

to speak in a manner marked by politeness and dignity

Ex: Keep a civil tongue when you speak to your teacher. 
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to [mince] {one's} words

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

Ex: The manager minced his words when explaining why the project had failed. 
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to [pull] {one's} punches

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

Ex: She pulled her punches in the review because she did not want to hurt his feelings. 
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to make up for

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

Ex: He bought her flowers to make up for forgetting her birthday. 
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