Cue

Yazar

04/01/2026

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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Cue (noun / verb) = a signal or prompt that tells someone when to act or speak; OR a long stick used to hit balls in games like pool; OR to give a signal for something to start.

Cue is all about perfect timing — that subtle hint or trigger that says “now!” and sets things in motion smoothly.

MEANING 1: Signal or Prompt (Most Common Figurative)

In theater, a cue is the exact word, sound, or action that tells an actor to speak or move — miss it and the scene falls apart. This expands to life: “take a cue from someone” means follow their example or imitate their behavior. “That’s my cue to leave” means a remark signals it’s time to go. It carries subtle guidance — not direct orders, but hints that coordinate actions socially or professionally.

MEANING 2: Pool Stick (Literal)

In billiards, a cue is the tapered wooden stick players use to strike balls precisely. Choosing the right cue feels personal — weight, balance matter for control. This physical cue enables the game, just like signals enable performance.

MEANING 3: Give a Signal (Verb)

To cue means to provide the prompt. Directors cue lights or music; DJs cue tracks. It’s about orchestrating timing behind the scenes.

People choose “cue” for its sense of precise, subtle coordination — more theatrical than “signal,” more specific than “hint.”

Examples from the street:

“When he yawned, I took that as my cue to end the meeting” → subtle hint it was time to wrap up
“She grabbed her cue and broke perfectly” → picked up the pool stick and started the game strongly
“Take a cue from her — she’s handling it calmly” → follow her example of staying cool

2. Most Common Patterns

cue + to + verb → signal for action (cue to start)
take a cue from + person/thing → follow example
on cue → exactly at the right moment
that’s my cue → time for me to act/speak
cue + someone + in → signal someone to enter/start
miss a cue → fail to notice/act on signal

3. Phrasal Verbs

Note: There are no common phrasal verbs directly containing “cue” — these are related expressions:

cue up → prepare something to start (music/video)
Example: “Cue up the next track when this one ends.”
cue in → give signal to join or start
Example: “The director cued in the orchestra at the perfect moment.”
pick up on → notice and respond to subtle hints
Example: “She quickly picked up on his discomfort and changed the topic.”

4. Example Sentences

The nod was her cue to begin speaking
→ The small head movement signalled the moment to start talking.
We should take a cue from successful teams
→ Observing winning groups provides useful guidance for improvement.
He laughed right on cue during the rehearsal
→ His chuckle arrived precisely when scripted in practice.
“That’s my cue” — she said and walked on stage
→ The line indicated her moment to enter the performance area.
The host cued the guest in smoothly
→ The presenter gave a seamless prompt for the visitor to join.
Actors sometimes miss a cue under pressure
→ Performers occasionally overlook timing signals when nervous.
Parents take a cue from children’s energy levels
→ Guardians observe kids’ vitality to decide activity timing.
The music swelled on cue for dramatic effect
→ Sounds increased exactly when planned for emphasis.
He grabbed his cue and aimed carefully
→ He picked up the stick and positioned for the shot precisely.
The silence was my cue to change the subject
→ The quiet moment indicated time to shift conversation topics.
That was my cue to leave before things got awkward.
→ It was the moment that told me it was time to go.
The actor waited for his cue before stepping onto the stage.
→ He waited for a signal that it was his turn to appear.
Her silence was a clear cue that she didn’t agree.
→ The lack of response signaled disagreement.
The music was the cue for the dancers to start moving.
→ The sound indicated when the action should begin.
He missed his cue and started speaking too early.
→ He acted before the correct signal was given

5. Personal Examples

In group activities, teachers give a quiet cue for students to switch partners without chaos
→ During paired tasks, instructors provide subtle signals for learners to change companions smoothly.
When practising English dialogues, students take a cue from native speakers’ pauses to know when to respond naturally
→ While role-playing conversations, learners observe natural breaks in fluent speech to time replies appropriately.

6. Register: Neutral

✔ Native usage tips

“On cue” is perfect for timing that’s suspiciously exact — often humorous (“It started raining on cue”)
“Take a cue from” shows respect — you’re learning from someone’s good example
“That’s my cue” is casual exit line — light way to leave conversations
Using “cue” signals the speaker appreciates timing and coordination — common in creative/performance contexts

✔ Similar expressions / words