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take a number. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
take a number, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
take a number in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Pronunciation
Verb
take a number (third-person singular simple present takes a number, present participle taking a number, simple past took a number, past participle taken a number)
- To queue; to wait to be served by being assigned a number and waiting for that number to be called after all previous numbers have been served in order of assignment.
- (idiomatic) To recognize that many others are in the same situation; recognize that one's concerns are not of high priority; be prepared to wait.
1994 September 12, Stryker McGuire et al., “Sale Of The Century?”, in Newsweek:Wanna buy a television network? Take a number. A few years ago you would have had the field to yourself.
2000 August 8, Tony Karon, “Chile Exorcises the Specter of Pinochet”, in Time:Even if they did decide to prosecute, the Justice Department would have to take a number and stand in a very long line.
See also