Heads Up Meaning, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：advance warning (heads up)

heads up 🔊

/ˈhɛdz ʌp/

phr.

A heads up is a warning or piece of information given in advance to help someone prepare for something.

Heads up warning message on phone screen

advance warning 🔊

➕

/ədˈvæns ˈwɔːrnɪŋ/

phr.

An informal phrase used to give someone prior notice about something important or upcoming, so they can be prepared.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Compound of 'head' + 'up', originally 'raise head to be alert'; now a warning.

💡 Mnemonic

Picture someone shouting 'Heads up!' as a ball flies toward you — you prepare.

📖 Example

I’ll give you a heads up when the project deadline is close, so you can finish on time. 🔊 I’ll give you a heads up when the project deadline is close, so you can finish on time.

🔗 Collocations

give someone a heads up – to inform someone in advance

need a heads up – to require prior notice

appreciate the heads up – to be grateful for the advance warning

🔄 Synonyms

warning (n.) – a statement that tells someone about possible danger or trouble

alert (n.) – a signal or message that warns of something

notice (n.) – advance information or warning

🚫 Antonyms

surprise (n.) – an unexpected event without prior warning

🌱 Derivatives

heads-up (adj.) – showing alertness or providing advance information (e.g., heads-up display)

📖 Cultural Story

Originated in 19th-century America as a cry to watch for falling objects; later generalized to any advance warning.