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
1
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
1
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 notesIn 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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Thanks for the _____ about the road closure.
Synonyms
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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.
What is the meaning of heads-up?
"heads-up" (noun) means an advance warning or piece of information given so that someone can prepare.
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