best behavior

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He was on his best behavior since it was in dad’s London office, and advisers entered the room throughout the day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

If you can do the cauliflower, you better be on your best behavior.’

From Slate • Oct. 31, 2024

I was told that if I was on my best behavior, I would go to the sought-after public elementary school down the street and finally get my own room.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2024

“I often felt awkward and hyperconscious, like people were staring at me or that I always had to be on my best behavior so that I represented the Army in a positive way.”

From Washington Times • Nov. 9, 2023

We were presentable and on our best behavior when we finally arrived in Oakland, where Mother’s sisters and other brothers were waiting with the three limousines.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey