Meanings
How to pronounce "take a number":
AU
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.
To recognize that many others are in the same situation; recognize that one's concerns are not of high priority; be prepared to wait.
Example Sentences
1
I went to the bakery, but it was so busy that I had to take a number.
2
The DMV is always crowded, and you usually have to take a number and wait for your turn.
3
There were so many people waiting to be served at the deli that I had to take a number.
4
The doctor's office was packed, and I had to take a number when I arrived.
5
I wanted to buy some clothes, but the line for the fitting rooms was so long that I decided to take a number and come back later.
