# head up

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/head-up
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to lead or manage

phrasal verb · CEFR B2

to be the leader of a group, a department, or a project.

For teachers: to lead or take charge of a department, project, or organisation. This phrasal verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object.

- She was chosen to head up the new marketing team because of her experience.
- The board appointed a veteran executive to head up the restructuring committee, hoping his reputation would calm the nervous investors.

Usage: Always used with an object; you head up a team or a project.

### 2. to turn toward the wind

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to turn a boat so that it faces into the wind.

For teachers: to steer a sailing vessel closer to the direction from which the wind is blowing.

- The captain told the crew to head up as the wind shifted suddenly.
- As the squall approached, the helmsman had to head up sharply to prevent the boat from heeling over too far.

Teaching tip: This is a specific nautical term; most learners will only encounter the 'lead/manage' sense in business contexts.

### 3. to close a barrel

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Archaic

to put a lid or top on a barrel or container.

For teachers: to fit a head or lid to a cask, barrel, or similar container to seal it.

- The workers began to head up the barrels once they were filled with oil.
- In the traditional cooperage, the final step was to head up the casks before they were rolled into the cellar for storage.

Teaching tip: This sense is rare in modern English and mostly found in historical or industrial contexts regarding traditional manufacturing.

## Examples

- She was chosen to head up the new marketing team.
- After the merger, he was asked to head up the integration task force to ensure a smooth transition.
- The university appointed a renowned researcher to head up the newly established department of artificial intelligence and ethics.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: contrast with 'lead'—while 'lead' is general, 'head up' often implies being formally appointed to a specific organizational structure or project.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.