Cues

/kjuːz/ noun or verb

Definition

Either hints or signals that tell you what to do, or wooden sticks used in pool; also the verb meaning to give someone a signal.

Etymology

From French 'queue' (tail), originally referring to the tail-like stick used in billiards. The 'hint' meaning came from theater, where 'cue' meant the signal to begin speaking.

Kelly Says

A pool 'cue' and a theater 'cue' are completely different meanings, but both come from the same French word for 'tail'—the stick has a tail-like shape, and a theatrical line is where an actor's turn begins (the 'tail' of another actor's speech).

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