play for cues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play for cues" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is looking for signals or indications to guide their actions, often in performance or communication settings. Example: "During the rehearsal, the actors were instructed to play for cues from the director to ensure a smooth performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Some plays require a lot of set and others don't - if the set needed isn't specified in the script, read through the play for cues about what set is needed.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the future we plan to explore the effects of stochastic fluctuations and the role they play in providing cues for differentiation into different lineages.

Plosone

Be sure to look for cues.

TechCrunch

1. Look for cues.

Huffington Post

Listen to your body for cues.

Huffington Post

Watch the tuner for cues.

WikiHow

Look for cues in person, too.

WikiHow

Listen in without seeming obvious for cues.

WikiHow

Finally, to examine these interaction effects in more detail, authentic stimuli were contrasted against play-acted stimuli post hoc, for trials with authentic and play-acted cues individually.

Cognitive, Affective and Behavioral Neuroscience

In order to determine the direction of the interaction effects found in this contrast, authentic stimuli were contrasted against play-acted stimuli for trials with authentic and play-acted cues individually in the form of post hoc t-tests.

Cognitive, Affective and Behavioral Neuroscience

Performing in the dark is obviously an enormous challenge for the players, who must memorize chunks of the score and play without visual cues.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When directing actors, use "play for cues" to encourage them to be responsive to subtle non-verbal signals from other actors, enhancing the natural flow and realism of the performance.

Common error

Avoid prematurely reacting to perceived cues without fully assessing the context. False assumptions can lead to misinterpretations and disrupt the intended flow of communication or performance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "play for cues" functions as a directive encouraging attentiveness and responsiveness to subtle signals. Drawing from the examples provided by Ludwig, its use underscores the importance of being observant and adaptive in dynamic situations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "play for cues" is a phrase that advises attentiveness to subtle signals for guidance. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in English. While not frequently encountered, its meaning is clear: to be observant and responsive. Predominantly found in Wiki, Science, and News & Media sources, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. When using "play for cues", ensure you're not prematurely reacting to misinterpreted signals. Alternatives include "watch for signs" or "look for indicators".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

watch for signs

Emphasizes observation of indicators or signals.

look for indicators

Focuses on identifying specific markers.

observe the prompts

Highlights the act of noticing signals that guide action.

heed the signals

Stresses paying attention to and acting upon received signals.

take note of signals

Focuses on recording and acknowledging incoming signals.

read the situation

Highlights understanding a situation based on subtle signs.

sense the atmosphere

Focuses on perceiving the mood or environment.

be alert to hints

Emphasizes vigilance towards indirect suggestions.

interpret the indications

Focuses on understanding the meaning of signs.

respond to triggers

Emphasizes acting based on specific activating events.

FAQs

How can I use "play for cues" in a sentence?

You can use "play for cues" to describe the act of being attentive to and reacting to subtle signals or prompts in a given situation. For instance: "During improv, it's important to "play for cues" from your fellow actors to build a cohesive scene".

What does it mean to "play for cues"?

To "play for cues" means to be highly observant and responsive to subtle signals, prompts, or indications provided by others or the surrounding environment, allowing for adaptive and nuanced reactions.

Are there alternatives to using the phrase "play for cues"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "watch for signs", "look for indicators", or "observe the prompts" depending on the specific context.

In what situations would I use "play for cues"?

The phrase "play for cues" is apt in performance settings, improvisational scenarios, or any situation where reacting appropriately to subtle signals is crucial for success. For example, an actor might "play for cues" from the audience to gauge their reaction.