# cue up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cue-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to get a piece of media, like a song or video, ready so it can start at exactly the right moment. You use this when you want to prepare something to play next.

For teachers: to position a recording or digital file at a specific starting point in readiness for playback. This transitive phrasal verb is common in broadcasting and general digital media management.

## Examples

- Please cue up the next song on the playlist.
- While the presenter was finishing her introduction, the technician cued up the video clip to ensure a smooth transition.
- The radio producer cued up the pre-recorded interview, waiting for the precise second the host finished the lead-in to trigger the playback.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Wait while I queue up the next slide." but "Wait while I cue up the next slide." — Learners often confuse the homophones 'cue' (a signal to start) and 'queue' (a line or sequence).

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with objects like 'track', 'video', 'clip', or 'presentation'.
- Teaching tip: Contrast 'cue up' with 'queue up' as they are homophones; 'cue' involves timing and preparation, while 'queue' involves ordering and sequences.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.