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)

Browse related topics

You are looking at an entry to do with Paying attention and being careful, but you might be interested in these topics from the Attention and care topic area: