head up

You lead a team, organization, or activity and are responsible for its work.

• She heads up our team.
• He headed up the project last year.
• Who will head up the new department?

How to use it: head up something (She heads up the research department.)

Similar words: lead, manage, direct, run

Common phrases: head up a team, head up a project, head up something

A boat turns so that its front points more toward the direction the wind comes from.

• Head up a little.
• The boat headed up as the wind changed.
• Can you head up without letting the sails flap?

How to use it: head up into the wind (The skipper headed up into the wind.)

Similar words: luff up

Opposites: bear away

Common phrases: head up slowly, head up into wind

You close a barrel by fitting a flat wooden end onto it.

• The cooper headed up the barrel.
• They head up the casks once the wooden sides are ready.
• Has this barrel been headed up properly?

How to use it: head up something (The cooper headed up the cask before testing it.)

Similar words: seal, close

Common phrases: head up a barrel, head up a cask