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.

Larry Ellison predicts an AI-powered surveillance state in which “citizens will be on their best behavior, because we’re constantly recording and reporting everything that is going on.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Their players, however, know with the school’s two big wigs also wearing coaching hats, they always need to be on their best behavior.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2025

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

From Slate • Oct. 31, 2024

“Critiquing the institution, if done at a high crescendo, hopefully gets the court to be on their best behavior in the future,” Mr. Green said.

From New York Times • Jul. 13, 2023

We were so impressed by the comforts and quiet organization of the Mollers’ home that we were subdued and on our best behavior.

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