Hello and welcome to The English We Speak,
where we explain phrases and expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too.
I'm Feifei and here with me is Becca.
Becca, I've just realised I forgot to bring a pen today.
Hey, no worries, Feifei.
I've got you.
You can borrow one of mine.
You've got me?
Well, you 've got me comes from the phrase I 've got your back,
which, if you think about literally, means to support someone.
Imagine coming down a ladder and your friend is behind you and helping to hold you
up or making sure that you do n't fall.
We often use the colloquial expression I've got you metaphorically to show support or offer help.
Like the other day when I saw you looking a little bit lost looking for the meeting room.
I could have responded with, I've got you, which means I'll help you find the way.
Exactly.
Oh, and I didn't take any notes for the first few minutes of that meeting because I was lost.
Don't worry, Becca.
I can help you with the notes.
I've got you.