Heads up
“Heads Up” is a new word. In American English it is used to just notice that something is going to happen to people who have time to prepare for.
In the following example, a boss at a branch in San Francisco inform that a group of administrators at headquarters in New York are coming to visit the company’s branch staff to see how they do business. He then gathered the staff and tell them about this information to prepare. He says:
“I want to give you all a heads up that some big shots from New York will be here next Monday to see how we’re doing. So let’s make sure our desks are clean and that we show them what we are doing. We want to put on a good show for them.“
The boss says: I want to inform you in advance to prepare. A few important people from New York will arrive here on Monday to see how we do business. Therefore, we need to keep the table clean off paper, and show them our work. We want to show them that we are working very effectively.
Give a Heads up
“To give a heads up” means to give someone information or a warning
“We want to give you a heads up that we will be checking all your work performance this Friday.“
Exercise
Which example uses “heads up” correctly?
A. Heads up! Let’s go to lunch.
B. I need to tell you something. Heads up!
C. Heads up! There’s a hurricane coming. We need to evacuate!