PhrasesHub

Heads up

    Definitions

      • warn or alert someone
        To give someone a warning or to inform them about something that could potentially be dangerous or harmful

      • pay attention
        To tell someone to be alert and aware of their surroundings or the current situation

    Examples of Heads up

    • The construction crew gave us a heads up about the road closure today, so we should take a different route to avoid any delays.

      This is an example of using the idiom "heads up" to mean "advance warning". In this context, the construction crew provided a warning to us about the road closure, giving us enough time to plan an alternative route. ANOTHER

    • I noticed that you've been working long hours lately, so I want to give you a heads up that we need to have a team meeting next week to discuss some important projects.

      Here, the idiom "heads up" is used to alert someone about an upcoming event or action. In this case, the speaker noticed that the recipient has been working long hours, and wants to inform them about an upcoming team meeting. THIRD

    • The weather forecast called for heavy rain today, so I wanted to give you a heads up that we might have to cancel our outdoor plans.

      In this example, "heads up" is again used to provide an early warning. The speaker is letting the recipient know that there is a possibility of canceling their outdoor plans due to bad weather. In all of these examples, "heads up" is used to convey the idea of providing someone with early notice of an important event or situation.

    • As the ball was heading towards my face during the game, my teammate shouted "Heads up!" to warn me.

      In this context, "Heads up" is an idiom used to alert someone that there is a potential danger or obstacle that they need to be aware of. In this instance, my teammate used it to ensure I didn't get hit in the face with the ball.

    • I received an email from my boss this morning, and she ended it with "Heads up" to let me know that there's going to be an important meeting next week that I need to attend.

      Here, "Heads up" is used to give someone advance notice of an important upcoming event or situation. It's letting me know that there's something I need to be prepared for.

    • While driving on the highway, the GPS suddenly announced "Heads up" and alerted me that there was a detour due to roadworks ahead.

      In this scenario, "Heads up" is used to inform me of an unexpected change in the route, giving me the opportunity to adjust my plans and avoid any potential traffic congestion.

    • As I was crossing the road, a car honked loudly and the driver shouted "Heads up" to make me aware of their presence.

      Here, "Heads up" is used to ensure my safety as a pedestrian by informing me of an approaching vehicle. It's a way of ensuring that everyone on the road stays safe.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "heads up" can be used to either warn or alert someone about a potential danger or to simply tell them to pay attention. It is a versatile phrase that can be used in various situations to ensure that someone is aware and prepared.

    Origin of "Heads up"

    The origin of the idiom "heads up" can be traced back to the military. It was originally used as a command to tell soldiers to watch out for incoming danger, such as enemy fire or projectiles. Over time, the phrase made its way into everyday language and is now commonly used in both formal and informal settings to give someone a warning or to tell them to be alert. Its origins in the military highlight the seriousness of the warning or alert being given when using this idiom in conversation.