taking your cue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking your cue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone following another person's example or guidance in a particular situation. Example: "She was taking her cue from her mentor, adapting her approach to fit the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For those of you unfamiliar with the basics of teleporting, here's how to do it: taking your cue from Maria von Trapp, you simply remember your favorite things, or at least your favorite place on the planet, and, letting off a little bwoompff sound, you're there.

The New Yorker

But it didn't take long for my own inner voice to start whispering in my ear... "YO, VICTOR ARE YOU REALLY GOING TO IGNORE THIS ELDERLY MAN WHO IS OBVIOUSLY SENSITIVE ENOUGH TO BE TAKING YOUR CUE AND RESPECTING YOUR SPACE BECAUSE YOU'RE SOOO BUSY?" (At times, my inner voice can really be a judgmental pain-in-the-a#%!).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Watching a game was a little bit like navigating one of those Rube Goldberg machines, straining and stretching your neck around and sideways and above and below until you just gave up, taking your cues from the rest of the crowd when something good or bad happened.

The New York Times

Be casual about these conversations taking your cues from your child's interest in engaging in their thoughts about school.

Huffington Post

"If you want to tear down the system, you might be taking your cues, by the way, from a president who has given the appearance that there is every justification for any level of anger at our country because we're such despicable people".

Huffington Post

You take your cue from the material.

The New York Times

Once you have memorised your favourite though, take your cue from Russell Beale for the reading itself.

The Guardian

But you can't take your cue from the wind, I guess.

The New Yorker

This doesn't mean they only want to talk about that; take your cue from them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Take your cue from the restaurant's name and order seafood.

The New York Times

Sharpen up and take your cue from the agency's motto, "Be Suspicious".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "taking your cue", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is providing the example or guidance. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "taking your cue" when you mean simply being inspired by someone; the phrase implies a more direct and intentional imitation of their actions or methods. Opt for wording that reflects influence rather than direct replication if that's more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking your cue" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating that someone is using another person's actions, behavior, or advice as a model or guide. Ludwig AI indicates that phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking your cue" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe someone who is following another's example or guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. While it appears across various sources, including news and media, and wikis, it is less common in scientific or academic contexts. It's essential to use this phrase when direct imitation or guidance is intended, differentiating it from mere inspiration. When considering alternatives, options like "following suit" or "following someone's lead" can provide similar meaning depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following someone's lead

Focuses on guidance and direction from another person, indicating a responsive role.

following suit

Implies imitating someone's actions or behavior, focusing on replication.

adopting someone's approach

Indicates integrating someone else's method into one's own strategy, highlighting adaptation.

taking a leaf out of someone's book

Means imitating someone's actions to achieve similar results, often implying admiration.

modeling after

Implies using someone or something as a pattern or template, highlighting replication with adjustments.

emulating someone

Suggests a conscious effort to imitate someone admirable, highlighting aspiration.

drawing inspiration from

Implies gaining creative ideas and motivation from someone or something, focusing on creativity.

mirroring behavior

Emphasizes copying or reflecting actions, often unconsciously.

getting pointers from

Highlights receiving specific advice or tips from someone, indicating mentorship.

using as a benchmark

Suggests using someone or something as a standard for comparison and improvement, focusing on excellence.

FAQs

How can I use "taking your cue" in a sentence?

Use "taking your cue" to describe someone who is following another person's example or guidance in a particular situation. For instance, "She was taking her cue from her mentor, adapting her approach to fit the audience."

What can I say instead of "taking your cue"?

You can use alternatives like "following suit", "following someone's lead", or "emulating someone" depending on the context.

Is it formal or informal to use the expression "taking your cue"?

The expression "taking your cue" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in news and media.

What's the difference between "taking your cue" and "drawing inspiration from"?

"Taking your cue" suggests directly imitating or following someone's example. "Drawing inspiration from", on the other hand, implies being influenced creatively but not necessarily copying directly.