queue vs. cue

A “cue” refers to either a signal or a billiards stick, whereas a “queue” is a line.

  • Nick jumped right on cue when he saw the spider.
  • Cue the music; the parade is starting.
  • Having received the order, the baker put another chocolate cake in the queue.
  • I’m dying to see this movie, so I’m going to move it to the top of my Netflix queue.

—Shelley Flannery