fair warning
Courtesy before consequences
Fair warning is advance notice that something unpleasant may follow if behavior doesn't change.
It shifts responsibility to the person warned: I'm giving you fair warning—one more outburst and you're out.
The phrase often precedes uncomfortable truths or graphic content: Fair warning, this movie is violent.
Someone who ignores fair warning can't claim surprise at consequences.
- heads-upInformal advance warning
- word to the wiseSubtle advisory for attentive listeners
- shot across the bowHostile preliminary signal
- writing on the wallObvious omen of trouble
- cautionCareful attention to risk
red flag · notice · caveat · premonition · advisory · advance notice · final notice · harbinger · bad news · intimation · alert · alarm bell · omen · tip-off · notification · wake-up call · ultimatum · on thin ice
- fairnessjustice, impartiality, equity, equal opportunity, equal treatment
- auctionsauction, bidding, bid, auctioneer, auction house
- warningsalert, caution, danger, hazard symbol, advisory
- adviceadvice, advise, tips, counsel, guidance
- sportsmanshipsportsmanship, respect, integrity, honor, humility
- alertnessalert, alertness, attentive, vigilance, vigilant
fair warningsurprise attack
Unanticipated offensive strike
ambush · blindside · sneak attack · sucker punch · trap
fair, warning, fairy, unfair, fairness, fairly, warned, unfairly, fairs