take a number

present singular third person takes a number · participle present taking a number · past took a number · participle past taken a number

1. literallyTo 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.
2. figurativelyTo recognize that many others are in the same situation; to recognize that one's concerns are not of high priority; to be prepared to wait.

   Wanna buy a television network? Take a number. A few years ago you would have had the field to yourself.

   1994 September 12, Stryker McGuire et al., “Sale Of The Century?”, in Newsweek

   1 more example

   Even if they did decide to prosecute, the Justice Department would have to take a number and stand in a very long line.

   2000 August 8, Tony Karon, “Chile Exorcises the Specter of Pinochet”, in Time