miscue
miscue Lexical Profile
miscue Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An error, blunder, or missed signal, especially in sports, theater, or public performance.
"A defensive miscue in the final minutes allowed the opposing team to score the winning goal."
In billiards, snooker, or pool, a faulty stroke in which the tip of the cue slips off the ball without striking it squarely.
"Chalking the tip properly before each shot helps prevent a costly miscue on the table."
• verb
To fail to strike a ball cleanly with the cue (in billiards, pool, or snooker), or more broadly to hit a ball poorly in sports.
"The striker miscued his shot from the edge of the penalty area, sending the ball wide of the post."
To give a wrong cue to an actor or performer, or to respond to a cue at the wrong time.
"The stage manager accidentally miscued the lighting technician during the opening monologue."
• Rhymes for miscue
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century from the prefix 'mis-' and 'cue', originally referring to a faulty stroke with a billiard cue before broadening into a general term for a mistake or missed signal in sports and theater.