1 B2 neutral
To give a performer or participant a signal indicating when to begin their part.
"The director cued the actor in just before the cameras started rolling."
separable
cue in
B2 neutral separable transitive
To signal someone that it is their turn to speak, perform, or act.
In plain English
To give someone a signal that tells them to start doing something.
What does "cue in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To inform or update someone about a situation so they are ready to respond.
"Can you cue me in on what was decided at the meeting before the client arrives?"
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bring someone into a cue (a signal), i.e., to give them their starting signal.
Actually means
To give someone a signal that tells them to start doing something.
Usage tip
Common in performance, broadcasting, and teaching contexts. Often used by directors, conductors, and teachers. The object can be placed between 'cue' and 'in' (cue her in) or after (cue in the orchestra).
Words that pair with "cue in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
actor musician orchestra speaker camera audience
How to conjugate "cue in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cue in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cues in
he/she/it
Past simple
cued in
yesterday
Past participle
cued in
have + pp
-ing form
cuing in
continuous
Hear "cue in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cue in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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