on best behavior

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.

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

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Haggith	-	Biblical
Zita (2)	-	Hungarian
Babirye	-	Eastern African, Ganda
Yoshiro	yo-shee-ṙo:	Japanese
Osbert	AHZ-bərt	English (Rare)
Alda (1)	-	Italian, Portuguese, Ancient Germanic