To be very careful to behave correctly; an alternate spelling of mind one's p's and q's; same as mind your manners
Etymology:
- Uncertain; OED considers the most likely origin the distinction of the minuscule letters p and q in either the school-room or the printing-office.
- In the early 17th century however, there is the expression pee and kew in the sense of “highest quality, best possible”. Also recorded as in thy Pee and Kue in 1602.
- 76 Views
“
When we go to visit, do remember to mind your ps and qs, children - we don't want another incident like last time.
Submitted on July 07, 2010
Modified by TriplePurple on December 29, 2023
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l'esprit son ps et qs
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"mind one's ps and qs." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 3 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/mind-one's-ps-and-qs_13731>.
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