Be Agreeable, Behave Well 🌟
It’s a phrase from the mid-1900s that embodies our collective grandma-inflicted conscience. Curiously, this cliché may even owe its catchy air to imitative baby talk—“behave nice,” anyone?
Similar Terms:
- Play nice: A gentle variation urging you to get along.
- Mind your manners: Elementary-level etiquette reminder.
- Keep it civil: A reminder to maintain decorum.
- Behave yourself: As nonspecific as it gets but just as effective.
- Toe the line: Follow the rules, avoid any misconduct.
Educational Tidbits:
- J. E. Lighter posits this clichéd recommendation for young people was infant-inspired.
Quote for Fun:
- “You’re gonna make nice with the PRs [Puerto Ricans] from now on.” — West Side Story, 1957
Literature: Try “Miss Manners’ Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior” for a proper laugh. Movie: Check out “Pollyanna” — the ultimate tale of affability. Book: “The Etiquette Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Manners” for thorough insights.
Inspirational Thought: “Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” — Clarence Thomas
### Which phrase means the same as "be agreeable, behave well"?
- [x] Mind your manners
- [ ] Twist someone's arm
- [ ] Run amok
- [ ] Shoot the breeze
> **Explanation:** "Mind your manners" is, in essence, asking someone to be agreeable and behave well.
### Which classic musical contains the phrase "make nice"?
- [x] West Side Story
- [ ] The Sound of Music
- [ ] My Fair Lady
- [ ] Grease
> **Explanation:** "West Side Story" features the line, “You’re gonna make nice with the PRs [Puerto Ricans] from now on.”
### Which of these captures the essence of good behavior?
- [x] Keep it civil
- [ ] Stir the pot
- [ ] Go rogue
- [ ] Raise Cain
> **Explanation:** "Keep it civil" aligns well with being agreeable and behaving properly.
### Which idiom is a polite request for gentleness?
- [x] Play nice
- [ ] Go bananas
- [ ] Fly off the handle
- [ ] Burn bridges
> **Explanation:** "Play nice" is a direct appeal for amiability and kind behavior.
### True or False: Mimicking baby talk gave rise to “Be agreeable, behave well”.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** According to J. E. Lighter, infantile imitation may be at play in the development of this phrase.
May your words always charm and your manners impress. Until next time, stay eloquent! 🌟
— Polly T. Politeness
