take one's cue from

take a/(one's) cue from (someone or something)

To model one's actions based on the example or influence of someone or something else. The director definitely took a cue from his favorite film when framing that scene. Take a cue from your kids and learn how to enjoy the little things.

See also: cue, take

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

take one's cue from

Follow the lead of another, as in I'm not sure what to bring, so I'll take my cue from you. This expression, first recorded in 1622, alludes to the cue giving an actor a signal to speak.

See also: cue, take

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.