Word: Head Up
Basic Definition:
"Head up" is a verb phrase that means to be in charge of or to lead a group or organization. When someone "heads up" a team, they are the person who is responsible for guiding and overseeing the group’s activities.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "head up" when talking about someone who is leading a project, team, or organization. It is often used in professional or academic contexts.
Example:
- "Maria heads up the marketing department at her company."
(This means Maria is the leader of the marketing department.)
Advanced Usage:
In a more formal context, you might say someone "heads up" a committee or initiative, which can imply a greater level of responsibility and leadership.
Example:
- "John heads up the committee that is planning the annual conference."
(This means John is responsible for leading the committee and its activities.)
Word Variants:
- Head (noun): Refers to the leader or the top position in an organization.
Example: "The head of the department will make the final decision." - Headed (adjective): Indicates direction or leadership.
Example: "She is the headed project manager for the new software launch."
Different Meanings:
"Head up" can also mean to inform someone about something important or to give them a warning. In this context, it is more informal.
Example:
- "Just a heads up, the meeting has been moved to 2 PM."
(This means you are informing someone about the change in time.)
Synonyms:
- Lead - Manage - Direct - Oversee - Supervise
Idioms and Related Phrasal Verbs:
While "head up" is a specific phrase, it can be used in conjunction with other phrases to express different ideas. For example:
- Head off: To prevent something from happening.