take a number
Join the line
Take a number is what you say to someone who wants attention, help, or a turn when others are already waiting.
It comes from the numbered ticket systems at delis and service counters.
The phrase often carries ironic dismissiveness—you're not special, get in line: You want to complain? Take a number.
- queue upJoin waiting line
- first come first servedEarliest arrivals get preference
- waitDelay until later
- waiting roomSpace for anticipating service
- deli counterStore section for prepared foods
stand in line · line · next in line · your turn · now serving · customer flow · patience · bureaucracy · DMV · red tape · waiting list · opportunity cost · identifier · ticket · ticket dispenser · fairness · appointment · social order
- queuesqueue, waiting line, lineup, waiting list, wait list
queue compliance
take a numbercut in line
Enter queue improperly
jump the queue · butt in · cut the line · barge in · push ahead
take, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, takeover, intake, uptake