right on cue

USAGE SUMMARY

Yes, the phrase "right on cue" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that happens at exactly the right moment or time, often in a timely or expected manner. Example: "As soon as the lights dimmed, the band started playing 'Happy Birthday' right on cue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then out of court-one, right on cue, steps Rafael Nadal.

The Guardian - Sport

This one is happening right on cue.

Forbes

Right on cue.

The New York Times

The media frenzy began right on cue.

The New Yorker

Its clientele followed right on cue.

The New York Times

"Right on cue!" the president laughed.

The Guardian

Right on cue, Hunt's interview was published four days later.

The Guardian

And, right on cue, here's that parade of male toplessness.

The Guardian - Film

Room service delivers a cake right on cue.

The New York Times

Right on cue unemployment fell again this morning.

Independent

Then they wept, screamed, and so on, right on cue.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "right on cue" to inject a sense of anticipation or theatrical timing into your writing. It works particularly well when describing events that unfold predictably or as if pre-arranged.

Common error

Avoid using "right on cue" in very serious or somber contexts where its slightly playful tone might seem inappropriate or insensitive. Opt for more neutral phrasing in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "right on cue" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action or event. As Ludwig AI indicates, it highlights the perfect or expected moment of occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

General Conversation

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "right on cue" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something happening at the expected or perfect moment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, although its slightly informal tone might make it less appropriate for highly formal or serious writing. The phrase conveys a sense of anticipation and predictable timing. Related phrases include "just in time" and "at the perfect moment", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. When using "right on cue", consider the overall tone of your writing and avoid using it in contexts where a more serious or neutral tone is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the perfect time

Emphasizes the ideal timing of the event, adding a subjective evaluation.

at the right juncture

Implies a critical point or stage in a process where timing is crucial.

at the precise moment

Replaces idiomatic expression with a more literal description of timing.

like clockwork

Suggests precision and regularity, often implying a mechanical or automated process.

just in time

Highlights the narrow margin within which the event occurred, suggesting potential delay.

opportunely

Highlights the fortunate or advantageous nature of the timing.

on schedule

Indicates adherence to a pre-set timetable or plan.

at the psychological moment

Focuses on the best timing for human decision or behaviour.

as expected

Focuses on the predictability rather than the timing of the event.

punctually

Highlights adherence to a specific time, often with a sense of strictness.

FAQs

How can I use "right on cue" in a sentence?

Use "right on cue" to indicate that something happened exactly when it was expected or needed. For example, "The rain started "right on cue", just as the ceremony ended."

What does "right on cue" mean?

"Right on cue" means that something happened exactly at the moment it was expected or perfectly timed, often as if it were planned or staged.

What can I say instead of "right on cue"?

You can use alternatives like "just in time", "at the perfect moment", or "as expected" depending on the context.

Is "right on cue" formal or informal?

"Right on cue" leans towards the informal side. While acceptable in news and media, it might be better to use a more formal phrase in academic or business writing.