- Home
- Idioms
- behavior
behavior
adulterous behavior
Actions that bely not only an unfaithfulness to one's spouse, but also a propensity toward deceit and licentiousness in general. I suspect that Ollie has been engaging in adulterous behavior recently. I wonder if his husband has picked up on it.
ape (someone's) behavior
To mimic the behavior of someone, generally in a mocking or derisive manner. It is pretty standard now for comedians to ape the president's behavior and manner of speech.
be on (one's) good behavior
To be very polite or exercising exceptionally good manners. Primarily heard in US. Now, you kids must be on your good behavior for your Auntie this weekend! Good morning, class. I hope everyone was on their good behavior for the substitute teacher yesterday.
be on (one's) best behavior
To be very polite or exercise exceptionally good manners. Primarily heard in US. Now, you kids must be on your best behavior for your Auntie this weekend! Good morning, class. I hope everyone was on their best behavior for the substitute teacher yesterday.
on (one's) good behavior
Being very polite or exercising exceptionally good manners. Primarily heard in US. Now, you kids must be on your good behavior for your Auntie this weekend! Good morning, class. I hope everyone was on their good behavior for the substitute teacher yesterday.
on one's best behavior
being as polite as possible. When we went out, the children were on their best behavior. I try to be on my best behavior all the time.
*time off for good behavior
1. Lit. a reduction in one's prison sentence because of good behavior. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) Bob will get out of jail tomorrow rather than next week. He got time off for good behavior.
2. Fig. a shortened time period—such a meeting, period of punishment, school class, etc. (Jocular. *Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) They let me out of the meeting early. They said I got time off for good behavior.
on your best behavior
not causing any difficulties
The two candidates were on their best behavior, giving serious answers to questions from a group of citizens. Usage notes: usually used to refer to children, but also often used to describe the actions of adults in uncomfortable situations
be on your best behaviour
(British & Australian) also be on your best behavior (American & Australian) to behave very well, usually because you are in an important or formal situation Now children, I want you all to be on your best behaviour when grandma arrives.
on one's best behavior
Also, on one's good behavior. Very polite, as in Mother told the children to be on their best behavior during Grandma's visit, or The whole staff were on their good behavior while the client inspected the premises. [Late 1600s]