- An informal warning or advance notice about something that is about to happen or requires attention.
- Used to give someone time to prepare or be aware.
Explanation
Origin
- Likely originated in military or sports contexts, literally meaning lift your head up to be aware of your surroundings, potential danger, or incoming information (like a thrown ball).
- It evolved into a general idiom for giving advance notice in various contexts, including the workplace.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Yo, check it... (Get attention for info/warning)
- JSYK (Just So You Know online/texting)
- Giving you the lowdown... (Providing info/warning)
Milder/Standard:
- Please be advised... (More formal)
- Just a quick note to let you know...
- Be aware that...
Vulgar/Emphatic (for urgent physical warning):
- Watch the fuck out! (Use with extreme caution; urgency overrides politeness)
Situational Appropriateness
- Primarily informal to semi-formal. Very common in workplace communication (emails, chat, spoken).
- Less suitable for highly formal announcements.
- For immediate physical danger, Watch out! or Look out! are often preferred.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might initially think of the literal meaning (lift your head). Context usually clarifies it means pay attention or advance notice.
- Ensure the urgency is clear from the tone if warning about something immediate.
Examples
- Heads up, the clients are arriving in 5 minutes.
- Just a heads up, there might be traffic on the way home.
- Heads up! Ball coming your way! (In a sports context, more urgent)
Dialogue
Alice: Hey Ben, heads up. The CEO is doing surprise visits to departments this morning.
Ben: Seriously? Okay, thanks for the heads up! Better make sure my desk is tidy.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Heads up Twitter! We're experiencing some technical difficulties with the login page. Working on it! #techsupport
- Instagram Story: Heads up! Flash sale starting tomorrow at noon! ✨ #sale #fashion
Response Patterns
- Okay, thanks! / Thanks for the heads up!
- Got it.
- Good to know.
- Noted.
- (Physical reaction if warning of immediate physical issue)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Listener acknowledges the information and prepares accordingly.
- Might ask for specifics: Delayed until when? / What should I look out for?
Conversation Starter
- Yes, can be used to initiate a brief, informational exchange.
- Example: Heads up about the potluck next Friday...
Intonation
- Usually quick, bright, and informative for simple notices.
- Can be sharper and more urgent if warning of immediate potential issue.
- Stress is firmly on Heads up.
- Example (notice): Heads up, meeting's delayed. Example (warning): HEADS UP! Watch the low ceiling!
Generation Differences
- Very common across most generations, particularly prevalent in professional and digital communication.
Regional Variations
- Extremely common in American English. Widely used and understood in other regions like Canada, UK, Australia, NZ.