# mind one's P's and Q's

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/mind-ones-ps-and-qs-2
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Alternative spelling of mind one's p's and q's.

## Examples

- You should mind your P's and Q's at the dinner table.
- The teacher warned the students to mind their P's and Q's while the principal visited the classroom.
- In order to make a favorable impression on the board of directors, he knew he must carefully mind his P's and Q's throughout the entire meeting.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.