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

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

“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