on cue
Right when expected
On cue means at exactly the right moment, as if responding to a signal.
The phrase comes from theater, where actors wait for their cue—a line or action that prompts them to speak or move.
In general use, it describes something happening precisely when expected or mentioned: I was just talking about rain, and on cue, it started pouring.
Often implies coincidence so perfect it seems staged.
- triggerWhat initiates action
- promptIncite to action
- signalMessage-conveying cue
- stageRaised performance platform
- actorOne who portrays characters
entrance · waiting in the wings · synchronized · like clockwork · timely · alert · choreographed · nod · script · director · split-second · mark · coordinated · punctual · beat · drum major · bandleader · spotlight
- theater jargonbackstage, center stage, curtain call, downstage, dress rehearsal
- theaterplays, stage, play, onstage, acting
- theater termsplay, actors, stage play, limelight, directing
- autopilot modeautopilot, automatic, unconscious, subconscious, instinctively
on cuemistimed
Done at wrong moment
ill-timed · out of sync · too late · off the mark · out of time
on cuespontaneously
Without forethought or preparation
unprompted · unexpectedly · randomly · out of the blue · without warning
on, cue, cues, cued, cueing, miscue, miscues, miscued, miscueing