At the right moment (2,3) Crossword Clue
Answer: ON CUE (5 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "At the right moment (2,3)" with 5 letters is "ON CUE".On cue means at the exact right moment or time, often used to describe something that happens exactly when it is expected or needed. It is commonly used in performance contexts, such as in theater or film, to describe when an action or line occurs precisely as planned or anticipated.
Why “On Cue” Fits
The clue asks for a phrase (2,3) meaning “at the right moment.” The answer, ON CUE, fits perfectly:
- At the right moment: On cue is a common idiom meaning exactly at the expected or appropriate time — directly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With five letters arranged as (2,3), on cue fits the enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The phrase describes something that happens just as planned or anticipated, conveying the idea of perfect timing or synchronization.
On cue is an idiom with origins in theatre and performance, later adopted into everyday English:
- Origin and usage: The expression dates from the early 19th century and comes from theatrical terminology. A cue (from Latin qualis — “of what kind”) was the actor’s signal to speak or act, often a specific word or movement from another performer. When an actor came “on cue,” they entered or spoke precisely as prompted — in perfect timing.
- Modern use: Now used more broadly to describe timely or well-timed actions in daily life, sports, and media.
Contexts:
- Theatrical: “The actor entered on cue as the lights dimmed.”
- Figurative: “The rain stopped on cue just as the ceremony began.”
- Conversational: “Right on cue, the baby started crying.”
Examples:
- “The fireworks exploded on cue as the music reached its climax.”
- “The dog barked on cue during the movie scene.”
- “She smiled on cue when the camera turned toward her.”
In quick crosswords like “At the right moment (2,3),” idiomatic clues are often straightforward and familiar:
- Definition: The clue’s phrase “at the right moment” defines on cue precisely, emphasizing timing and appropriateness.
- Clue type: Direct meaning clue — no wordplay, strictly idiomatic recognition.
- Pattern clue-solving: When a clue references exact timing or precise occurrence, think of idioms like on cue, in time, on time, at once, etc.
- Everyday phrase: On cue is a common expression in speech and writing, especially when describing coincidences or perfect timing — hence frequently seen in crosswords.
