To pay full attention to the exact details, watch your manners, to behave carefully, to show good manners

Etymology:

  • The origin of this idiom relates to the early 17th century and it became very popular in the late 18th. The choice of letters “p” and “q” also makes sense with the idiom as both the words are often confused while reading or writing. Another relation can be made from the English pubs which had “p” and “q” representing pints and quarts. Another aspect is described to relate this idiom with dance moves taught by the French dancing instructor. These dance moves are known as pieds and queues. All the views can be established yet there is no proof of the exact origin of this idiom.
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Joseph is always watchful to his p’s and q’s whenever he deals with his aunt.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

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