noun

heads-up

HEDZ UP

Heads-up (noun) means an advance warning or piece of information given so that someone can prepare. Example: “Thanks for the heads-up about the road closure.”

noun

informal An advance warning or piece of information given so that someone can prepare.

"Thanks for the heads-up about the road closure."

"Just a heads-up: the client is joining the call at ten."

adjective

informal Alert and quick to react to what is happening.

"That was a heads-up play by the goalkeeper."

How to Use Heads-up

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA quick warning so you're not caught by surprise.

When to use it

Informal but completely standard in workplace English.

Memory tip

It is always singular with a: a heads-up, never a head-up.

Easily confused with

heads up (literal) FYI →

Common pairings

give someone a heads-up thanks for the heads-up just a heads-up

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Thanks for the _____ about the road closure.

Synonyms

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warning tip-off advance notice forewarning alert sharp switched-on

Related Words

exactly aware smart flat threat signal warning pointed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it heads up or heads-up?

Hyphenate it when it is a noun: give me a heads-up. Leave it open when it is a literal instruction to lift your head, as in heads up, ball coming.

What is the difference between a heads-up and a warning?

A heads-up is friendly and practical, given so you are not caught out. A warning is heavier and usually implies danger or consequences. You give a colleague a heads-up; you give a driver a warning.

How do you use heads-up politely at work?

Lead with it as a short courtesy: just a heads-up that the deadline moved to Friday. It signals the message is informational and needs no reply, which is why it is so common in workplace email.

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