Learning English

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• a bit of a stretch
• kick the can down the road
• cut corners

Introduction

If you've got someone, you support them. Learn how to use this expression in this programme with Feifei and Becca.

Transcript

Feifei
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.

Becca
Hey, no worries, Feifei, I've got you. You can borrow one of mine.

Feifei
Hmm… you've got me?

Becca
Well, 'you've got me' comes from the phrase 'I've got your back', which, if you think about, it 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 don’t fall. We often use the colloquial expression 'I've got you' metaphorically to show support or offer help.

Feifei
Like the other day when I saw you looking a little bit lost looking for the meeting room, I could’ve responded with 'I've got you', which means 'I'll help you find the way'.

Becca
Exactly! Oh, and I didn't take any notes for the first few minutes of that meeting because I was lost!

Feifei
Don't worry, Becca. I can help you with the notes. I've got you.

Becca
Thanks, Feifei!

Feifei
You're welcome, Becca. Let's listen to more examples of 'got you'.

Examples
Oh, do you need to leave the office early? Don't worry, I'll finish your work. I've got you.

I was in the supermarket the other day and an old lady asked me to reach something high up on a shelf, and, I said, 'Sure, I've got you.'

You're scared of heights? Don't worry, just hold onto my arm. I've got you, you'll be fine.

Becca
Sometimes 'got you' can be pronounced as 'gotchu', especially in some British English accents. It happens when the letter 't' is followed by a /j/ sound, like in 'Tuesday', 'tuna' and 'nature'.

Feifei
Hmm, so we can say it like 'gotchu' – hey, I think I gotchu. 

Becca
Great! I will add, though, that we only say it like this. It shouldn't be used in formal writing. I wouldn't reply to a work email with gotchu!

Feifei
That would not be appropriate. OK, we've learnt 'got you' to mean that you support someone or will help them. We'll be back next time with another useful English phrase. See you soon!

Becca
Bye!

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