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to get on the end of the queue

to get on the end of the queue

2.9
Join the back of a line of people waiting
  • phrasal verb
  • UK
translation icon : ponerse al final de la cola
  • If you're waiting for tickets, please get on the end of the queue like everyone else.

Examples

  • Tourists were told to get on the end of the queue outside the museum entrance.

  • He sighed, realizing he'd have to get on the end of the queue for coffee.

  • Please get on the end of the queue.

  • They got on the end of the queue quickly.

  • To buy concert tickets, you must get on the end of the queue and wait your turn.

  • After school, students are asked to get on the end of the queue for lunch in the cafeteria.

  • When the store opened, eager shoppers began to get on the end of the queue outside to enter.

Synonyms

to stand in line
vsto get on the end of the queue
  • US
76 1.7

To wait in a line of people for your turn

refers to taking the very last place in that waiting group
to line up for
vsto get on the end of the queue
26 2.1

To wait in a line to get something

specifies joining at the very back of that waiting situation
to queue
vsto get on the end of the queue
  • UK
20 3.4

To form or join a line while waiting

means joining at the very back of that waiting group instead
to bring up the rear
vsto get on the end of the queue
7 4.6

To be the last person or thing in a group that is moving

describes being last while moving, not necessarily joining at the back to wait
to queue up
vsto get on the end of the queue
  • UK
3 3.1

To wait in a line to buy something or enter a place

focuses on joining the very back rather than just waiting with others
to get on the end
vsto get on the end of the queue
1 2.7

To go to the end of a line or row and be the last person

is specifically about joining the very back of that waiting group

Antonyms

1.0

At a place ahead of someone or something

How Near

in line
261 1.1
to get on the end of the queue
  • UK
2.9

Surface Forms

Morphology

get + on + the + end + of + the + queue

All constituents ('get', 'on', 'end', 'queue') combine compositionally to mean ‘arrive at/join the final part of a line’, and the prepositional structure follows normal English patterns. This is a common, literal conception (cf. 'join the end of the line') found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the words should be able to infer the meaning.

Etymology

Get on the end of the queue gives a clear picture: to get on means to join and the end of the queue is the last place in line. So it means 'to join a line of people at the back'.