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

“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 gift of the most outrageous comedies, after all, is that they allow us, for an hour or two in a darkened room, to leave best behavior and safe spaces at the door.

From New York Times • Jun. 13, 2023

When he told me that the movie would be shown, we went into our best behavior and were the exemplary children that Grandmother deserved and wished to think us.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou