cue

An action, word, or event that tells someone it is time to do something.

• That bell is your cue.
• She waited for her cue before going on stage.
• His silence was my cue to leave.

How to use it: cue to do something (The whistle was our cue to start running.); cue for someone to do something (That nod was a cue for the actor to enter.)

Similar words: signal, prompt

Common phrases: a cue to someone, take your cue, on cue

A long stick used to hit balls in games such as pool and snooker.

• He picked up his cue.
• She put chalk on the tip of her cue.
• Can I borrow your pool cue?

Similar words: cue stick

Common phrases: pool cue, snooker cue, cue tip

The spoken name of the letter Q.

• The letter is called cue.
• Write a capital cue beside the number.
• She confused cue with the name of another letter.

Common phrases: the letter cue, a capital cue

To give someone a signal that tells them to start speaking or doing something.

• The director cued the actor.
• She cued the music with a wave.
• Please cue me when it is time to speak.

How to use it: cue someone to do something (He cued the dancers to enter.); cue someone in (The producer cued the presenter in.)

Similar words: signal, prompt

Common phrases: cue someone in, cue the music, cue an actor

To cause a reaction, feeling, or activity to begin.

• The image cued a memory.
• Those questions cued a lively discussion.
• A familiar smell can cue an emotional response.

Similar words: trigger, prompt, provoke

Common phrases: cue a response, cue a discussion, cue a memory