cue
Plural
cues
1
a tapered rod used to strike the cue ball in billiards or pool
- He chalked his cue before taking the shot.
- The professional lined up the cue carefully.
- The pool hall provided high-quality cues for the players.
- She bought a new cue to improve her game.
- His cue slipped slightly during the break shot.
Synonyms:
2
something that signals or indicates what action to take
- The bell was a cue for students to enter the classroom.
- He waited for the cue to start speaking.
- Traffic lights act as cues for drivers.
- The teacher's nod served as a cue to begin.
- Music served as a cue for the dancers to change steps.
Synonyms:
3
a few words or actions that hint another performer to say a line or do something
A cue is a signal or prompt for an actor or crew member to begin a specific action or deliver a line during a performance. It can be a verbal signal, such as a line spoken by another character, or a visual or auditory signal, such as a light change or sound effect. Cues help ensure that the performance runs smoothly and that timing is synchronized among all elements of the production.
- The actor waited for his cue before entering the stage.
- The director gave a subtle nod as a cue for the lights to dim.
- She missed her cue and entered the scene at the wrong moment.
- His cue came just as the audience held their breath in anticipation.
- During rehearsals, the actors practiced responding to each other's cues.
4
evidence or information that helps solve a problem or mystery
- The footprints were a cue for the detective.
- The strange noise gave a cue about what had happened.
- Her hesitation was a cue to investigate further.
- The puzzle provided several cues for the solution.
- The sudden change in temperature was a cue to check the system.