Behaving Politely: English Vocabulary List

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

"Mind your p's and q's when you meet her parents."

"The new employee was told to mind his p s and q s during the important meeting."

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

"Watch your language in front of the kids."

"The angry teenager was told to mind his language when his mother heard him swearing."

as polite and well-mannered as one can be

"The children were on their best behavior."

"The children were on their best behavior when their strict grandmother came to visit."

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

"His comment was not politically correct."

"Some people think the term firefighter is more politically correct than fireman."

the standard regulations for modern boxing matches

"Queensberry rules govern modern boxing."

"Queensberry rules govern modern boxing and require gloves three minute rounds and a ten second count."

to put as much effort as possible into doing something, particularly something difficult

"Try to put your best foot forward."

"Make sure you put your best foot forward at the interview by dressing professionally and smiling."

to behave in an overly polite and formal manner

"Please do not stand on ceremony, make yourself at home."

"Please do not stand on ceremony at our house so feel free to help yourself to anything in the kitchen."

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

"Watch your mouth — there are children here!"

"She pulled him aside and warned him to watch his mouth during client meetings."

used to apologize for swearing or using offensive words

"Excuse my French, but that's wrong."

"Pardon my French, but I think that was the most ridiculous decision the committee has ever made."

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

"He signed the document as a matter of form."

"The company interviews all candidates as a matter of form even when they already know who they will hire."

to dismiss or fire someone from their job or position

"She showed the employee the door."

"When the customer became rude and aggressive the manager showed him the door immediately."

to speak in a manner marked by politeness and dignity

"Keep a civil tongue when you talk to me."

"The angry customer was asked to keep a civil tongue when speaking to the manager."

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

"Don't mince your words now."

"She never minces her words when giving feedback, which some people find too blunt."

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

"Don't pull your punches."

"The coach told the team not to pull their punches during the practice match."

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

"Work hard to make up."

"She promised to make up for her mistake by taking on extra responsibilities at the office for the next month."

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

"Follow the Queensberry rules."

"In this professional environment, adherence to the Queensberry rules of respectful discourse is absolutely paramount for collaboration."

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

"Put your best foot forward."

"On his first day at the new job, he made a conscious effort to put his best foot forward and impress his colleagues."

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

"Show them the door."

"After a lengthy and unproductive meeting, the frustrated manager decided to show the disruptive participants the door."