What do we mean by ''Just giving you a heads up''?

"Just giving you a heads up" is a phrase commonly used to give someone a warning or a piece of important information before something happens. The person saying this is trying to prepare the person they are speaking to for something that they think they should know about in advance. It is often used to prepare someone for a meeting or a change in plan.

It is usually said as a polite way to inform someone of something that may affect them, without being demanding or urgent. It also shows that the speaker is considerate and respectful of the other person's time and schedule. It also gives the other person an opportunity to prepare and make any necessary adjustments. It may be used in both formal and informal settings.

Where did the phrase originate?

The phrase "Just giving you a heads up" is believed to be of American origin and it is informal. The phrase is used as a way to notify someone of something that is likely to happen soon, but it is not necessarily an emergency.

The phrase is commonly used in informal situations such as in workplaces, among friends and family, or in casual conversations. It has been around for several decades and has become a common way to inform others of upcoming events or changes.

Giving you a heads up could be the worst news

Sometimes someone will give you a heads up for the worst news possible. They also might enjoy it, especially the gossiper in the office.

10 scenarios where you wouldn't want to be given a "Heads up".

1) "Just giving you a heads up, we are all about to be made redundant in the morning".

2) "Just giving you a heads up, your leaving collection isn't going so well".

3) " Just giving you a heads up, I think I've written off your car in the carpark".

4) "Just giving you a heads up, they've offered me the job and not you".

5) "Just giving you a heads up, I've scheduled a meeting for 5pm on Friday".

6) "Just giving you a heads up, you missed the VIP client meeting and your line manager is looking for you".

7) " Just giving you a heads up before your meeting presentation to the business in a minute,  I've checked your powerpoint presentation and several slides are missing".

8) " Just giving you a heads up, the police phoned earlier to say your car has been stolen".

9)  " Just giving you a heads up, your laptop was left unlocked in the office and, as a result, a significant portion of the company now knows about your recently sent email expressing your affection towards them."

10) "Just giving you a heads up, me and your wife have started an office romance".