queue up
Definition
Verb (Phrasal Verb): To arrange oneself or be arranged in a line of people waiting for something; to stand in a line. It implies joining the end of an existing line or forming an orderly sequence with others.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used to describe the action of people getting into a line, typically to wait for a service, entry, or to purchase something. It emphasizes the orderly and often social convention of waiting one's turn.
Examples
- We had to queue up for over an hour to get tickets for the concert.
- Please queue up here for the security check.
- People began to queue up outside the theater long before the doors opened.
Advanced Usage
- "Queue up" can be used figuratively for non-human things waiting in a sequence, such as tasks or data.
- The computer program allows you to queue up multiple files for printing.
- It can be separated, though this is less common than keeping the words together.
- He queued us up in order of height.
Variants and Related Words
- Queue (verb): The single-word verb form, meaning the same as "queue up." It is commonly used in British English.
- We need to queue for the bus.
- Queue (noun): The line itself.
- There was a long queue at the post office.
- Line up (verb): The primary American English equivalent of "queue up."
- Please line up in single file.
Synonyms
- Form a line
- Stand in line
- Line up
- Wait in line
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Queue up for (something): To join a line specifically to obtain or do something.
- Fans are queuing up for the new smartphone release.
- Queue behind (someone/something): To join a line directly after a specific person or thing.
- You can queue behind me.
Related Idioms
- Join the queue: An idiom meaning to wait for your turn, often used to tell someone they are not the only one waiting or wanting something.
- You want a promotion? You'll have to join the queue.
Verb
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form a queue, form a line, stand in line
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Customers lined up in front of the store
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