idiot card

A television presenter holds an idiot card with the next line of dialogue.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Television: An "idiot card" is a large board or placard displaying text or cues, used off-camera in television production to prompt a presenter or actor during a broadcast. It is also known as a cue card.

Usage Examples

• (A cue card used for prompting during the broadcast.)
• (A visual aid for the performer.)

Advanced Usage

• "to rely on an idiot card": to depend on written prompts for a performance.

  • The guest speaker had to rely on an idiot card because he forgot his script. (He needed the cue card to continue speaking.)

• "to hold an idiot card": to physically hold or position the prompt board.

  • The stagehand held an idiot card just out of frame for the actor to see. (The assistant managed the cue card.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cue card (n): a synonym for "idiot card," referring to the same prompting tool.
  • The director asked for a new cue card with larger text. (A request for a revised prompt board.)

Synonyms

• Cue card: a card or board with text for prompting.
• Teleprompter: an electronic device that displays text for speakers (though this is a different, more modern technology).

Related Idioms

• To be on the idiot card: to be reading from a prompt rather than speaking naturally.
  • The politician seemed stiff — he was clearly on the idiot card. (He was reading from a cue card instead of speaking spontaneously.)