jump the queue

USAGE SUMMARY

'jump the queue' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe when someone moves ahead of others in a line or a queue. For example, "Fiona was so excited to get to the amusement park that she tried to jump the queue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I let it jump the queue.

The Guardian - Books

Even Adria's own amigos can't jump the queue.

Independent

Just pay $25 for a card that entitles you to jump the queue.

Independent

You could, of course, jump the queue by downloading Windows 10 directly.

The Guardian - Tech

But once in the sky, at least, there is no way for our betters to jump the queue.

The Economist

"She was very, very keen to jump the queue and say how awful it was for her".

The New Yorker

My hunch is that very occasionally and somewhat undemocratically, the famous artist gets to jump the queue.

The Guardian - Arts

So they offered flats to anyone on the housing waiting list who wanted to jump the queue.

The Guardian - Arts

Others suggested that the pop queen might have used her wealth and stardom to bypass usual procedures and jump the queue.

The Economist

Patients wanting to jump the queue, as well as eager "organ tourists" from abroad, might pay for organs from executed prisoners, no questions asked.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It works with over 1,200 venues in the UK, supporting the purchase of tickets and extra features, such as the ability to 'jump the queue', at certain exclusive events and night clubs.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates whether the phrase refers to a literal queue or a more metaphorical situation where someone is gaining an unfair advantage in a process or competition.

Common error

Avoid using "jump the queue" when a more direct phrase like "cut in line" or "skip the line" is more appropriate for a physical queue. The idiomatic strength of "jump the queue" is best reserved for situations involving processes or systems where fairness is expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jump the queue" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the action of bypassing a standard order or sequence. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing how this phrase is used in various contexts to express the idea of gaining an unfair advantage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

0.01%

Encyclopedias

0.01%

Social Media

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic phrase "jump the queue" is widely used to describe the act of bypassing a standard order, often to gain an unfair advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts, predominantly in the News & Media. While acceptable in most writing scenarios, it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with the intent to express disapproval or criticism regarding circumventing rules. Alternatives such as "cut in line" or "skip the line" may be more suitable in literal queue scenarios. Overall, "jump the queue" remains a valuable phrase for highlighting unfair advantages in various processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jump the line

Synonymous with the original phrase, simply using 'line' instead of 'queue'.

skip the line

A more general term for avoiding a queue altogether.

cut in line

Emphasizes the physical act of moving ahead in a queue.

push in

Highlights the forceful nature of moving ahead.

get ahead of

Focuses on the outcome of being further forward in the line.

pull strings

Suggests using influence to get ahead.

receive preferential treatment

Highlights being treated better compared to others.

bypass protocol

Highlights going against formal procedure.

gain an unfair advantage

General term that focuses on the outcome.

bend the rules

Implies some dishonesty or unethical behaviour.

FAQs

What does "jump the queue" mean?

The phrase "jump the queue" means to move ahead of others in a line or process, often unfairly or by exploiting a loophole.

How can I use "jump the queue" in a sentence?

You might say, "The wealthy donor was accused of using their influence to jump the queue for their child's admission to the university."

What are some alternatives to "jump the queue"?

You can use alternatives like "cut in line", "skip the line", or "receive preferential treatment" depending on the context.

Is "jump the queue" formal or informal?

The phrase "jump the queue" is generally considered informal but is acceptable in most contexts, including news and general writing. More formal alternatives exist if a more serious tone is needed.