cue

noun [C] (SIGNAL)

/kjuː/

Definition

› a word or action in a play or film that is used as a signal by a performer to begin saying or doing somethingCasting, roles and scripts › a signal for someone to do something: [+ to infinitive] They started washing up, so that was our cue to leave the party.Signs, signals and symbolsSpecific signs and symbols on cue › If something happens on cue, it happens just after someone has said or thought it would happen: I was just wondering where Sarah was, when, right on cue, she came in.At the right timePlanning, expecting and arrangingPlotting and trapping take your cue from sb › to take notice of someone's words or behaviour so that you know what you should do: She watched his lips carefully and took her cue from him.Paying attention and being carefulCautious and vigilant

(Definition of cue noun (SIGNAL) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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