Heads up
/ˌhɛdz ˈʌp/
The expression heads up refers to either giving advance warning about something or describing someone who is alert and attentive.
Examples
- The manager praised her for being so heads up during the crisis.
- A heads up employee caught the error before it escalated.
- Thanks for the heads up, I would have been totally unprepared.
- Stay heads up when walking through the construction zone.
- We need someone heads up to monitor the situation.
Meanings
Originally a physical command to lift the head to stay aware of surroundings, 'heads up' evolved in the mid-20th century into a figurative expression for giving someone advance notice. It reflects a shift from physical alertness to mental preparedness.
Examples
- She gave me a heads up about the meeting being rescheduled.
- Thanks for the heads up, I would have been totally unprepared.
- I'll give you a heads up before the boss arrives.
- They gave us a heads up seconds before the power went out.
- He gets a heads up from his colleague every time there's a change.
The phrase began as a directive to maintain posture and vigilance. By the 20th century, 'heads up' as an adjective described people who were mentally and physically ready. This usage emphasizes mental sharpness and readiness.
Examples
- We need someone heads up to monitor the situation.
- The manager praised her for being so heads up during the crisis.
- Stay heads up when walking through the construction zone.
- He's always heads up and never misses a detail.
- A heads up employee caught the error before it escalated.