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
They should have been on their best behavior on Tuesday to avoid any glimmer of impropriety.
From Slate • Apr. 16, 2024
In elementary school, she spent Christmas at a neighborhood friend’s house in Andover, Mass., where she had to wear her best clothes and be on her best behavior.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 21, 2023
“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
The detention aide got up from her desk and sternly warned us, “Mr. McClaren and Miss Gaither,” to be on our best behavior while she left the room for a few minutes.
From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia
