Behavior & Approach - Behaving Politely

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

review

flashcard

spelling

quiz

start-learning

to [mind] {one's} p's and q's [phrase]

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

Ex:

to [mind|watch] {one's} (language|tongue) [phrase]

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

Ex: The referee told the players to mind their language .

on {one's} best behavior [phrase]

as polite and well-mannered as one can be

Ex: When meeting her partner 's parents for the first time , she was on her best behavior , trying to make a favorable impression .

politically correct [phrase]

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

Ex: Many people think that " fireman " is a sexist term , and prefer the politically correct term " firefighter " .

Queensberry rules [noun]

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

Ex: In this company , we follow the Queensberry rules of conduct , which means treating colleagues with respect and professionalism .

to [put] {one's} best foot forward [phrase]

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

Ex: He puts his best foot forward at parties .

to [stand] on ceremony [phrase]

to behave in an overly polite and formal manner

Ex: Men of our generation never stood on ceremony .

watch {one's} [mouth] [sentence]

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

Ex: The teacher reminded the students to watch their mouths and avoid using foul language in the classroom .

to (pardon|excuse) {one's} (French|language) [phrase]

used to apologize for swearing or using offensive words

Ex: They were taking one hell of a risk , if you 'll excuse my language .

as a matter of form [phrase]

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

Ex: Filling out paperwork and documentation is done as a matter of form when applying for a passport .

to [show] {sb} the door [phrase]

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

Ex:

to [keep] a civil tongue [phrase]

to speak in a manner marked by politeness and dignity

Ex: The teacher told the students to keep a civil tongue when discussing their differing opinions in the classroom .

to [mince] {one's} words [phrase]

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

Ex: During the review , the manager did n't mince his words , offering direct and honest feedback to the employee .

to [pull] {one's} punches [phrase]

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

Ex: She decided not to pull her punches when discussing the issues with her co-worker's performance to ensure improvement .

to make up for [verb]

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

Ex: They have made up for their previous disagreements by attending couples therapy .

Behavior & Approach
Foresight & Prudence	Overreaction	Tact	Being Tactful
Improvisation & Compromise	Behaving Politely	Lack of Care or Consideration	Without Care or Thought
Reacting or Demanding	Conversational Responses	Showing Surprise	Paying or Getting Attention
Not Paying Attention	Offensive Behavior	Reaction & Response	Jealousy & Competition
Harsh & Strict Treatment