heads up

¹

interjection

1. (used to call attention to an impending danger or the need for immediate alertness.)

heads-up

²

[ hedz-uhp ]

adjective

1. quick to grasp a situation and take advantage of opportunities; alert; resourceful.

noun

1. a warning in advance:

   sending a heads-up to the Pentagon about possible attacks.

heads up

noun

1. a tip-off or small amount of information given in advance

Word History and Origins

Origin of heads up¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Origin of heads up²

First recorded in 1945–50

Idioms and Phrases

A warning to watch out for potential danger, as in Heads up, that tree is coming down now! The expression is generally in the form of an interjection. [c. 1940]

Example Sentences

Our group heads up to a balcony overlooking the hall.

From BBC

“Putting a child in prison is not the answer,” says Detective Chief Inspector Larisa Hunt, who heads up Avon and Somerset Police’s early intervention team.

From BBC

Councillor Val Walker heads up the culture and community committee, which will have to take the decision.

From BBC

But a heads up: booking last minute means things will be pricy.

From BBC

Note: Just a heads up that the recipe ingredients are listed in grams!

From Salon