take a cue from
take a (one’s) cue from
Meaning
- to do what is recommended by someone else
- follow the lead of another
- to be highly influenced by someone or something
- to use someone else’s experience as your guide
Example Sentences
- I’m not good at belly dance, so I’ll take my cue from you.
- Take a cue from the professionals and start your business as soon as possible.
- Take a cue from your friend and learn how to enjoy life.
- I don’t know how to cook the rice. I need to take my cue from you.
- She is a fresher web designer and takes her cue to design a new website from her senior web developer.
- Italy should have taken a cue from Japan to prevent the covid-19 pandemic.
- Maria should take a cue from her mother to be a successful woman.
Origin
The idiom is speculated to be originated in the mid-1700s.
One of the oldest printed records of the phrase was recorded by Samuel Richardson in 1754, The History of Sir Charles Grandison – In a Series of Letters, Published from the Originals (Volume 1).
“But, what, Sir Charles? (come, I had rather take my cue from you, than any-body; what) are the signs which I am to give to be allowed –”
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