I’ve got your number
idiom

- to understand someone or realize the true purpose of their actions

Macmillan Dictionary

—
PHRASE ORIGIN

The expression, first published in the mid-1800s, builds on the idea that people can be identified by numbers. However, the origin of the idiom is not clear. Here are some possible explanations:

One theory arises from the belief that letters have a numerical value. By adding up the letters in someone’s name, you can understand the person’s character, because numbers have meaning.

Another explanation links “I’ve got your number” to a similar idiom “I’ve got your measure” – in other words, someone has your numbers after taking your measurements. This could be a tailor or dressmaker, who measures you for a suit or a dress.

The “Big Brother is watching you” theory suggests that house numbers, telephone numbers, car number plates, etc. make it easy for the authorities to find you.

And finally, some people think the expression refers to football or other sports, where the players have large numbers on their jerseys. The numbers clearly identify each player, even from a distance.

—
WHAT’S YOUR NUMBER?

Just for fun, discover the numerological significance of your birth date:

Keep adding the individual numbers in your date of birth until you are left with a single number between 1 and 9. For example, if you were born on 2nd March 1969 then 2+3+1+9+6+9 = 30 3+0 = 3; or 11th September 1993 is 1+1+9+1+9+8+5 = 34  3+4 = 7

Now check your single digit to find out the meaning of your number:

Number 1 = Individualistic, Determined, Pioneering, Bold, Athletic, Independent, Active, Self-confident

Number 2 = Cooperative, Sensitive, Adaptive, Passive, Diplomatic, Peaceful, Warm

Number 3 = Expressive, Imaginative, Sociable, Jovial, Positive, Optimistic, Artistic

Number 4 = Traditional, Organized, Self-disciplined, Steady, Logical, Practical, Helpful, Reliable

Number 5 = Adventurous, Energetic, Curious, Visionary, Magnetic, Expansive

Number 6 = Responsible, Protective, Stable, Balanced, Loving, Compassionate

Number 7 = Spiritual, Intelligent, Analytical, Reserved, Knowledgeable, Mysterious, Intuitive

Number 8 = Ambitious, Successful, Realistic, Powerful, Authoritative, Courageous, Leading

Number 9 = Humanitarian, Self-sacrificing, Idealistic, Giving, Altruist, Devoted, Romantic

—
SYNONYMOUS PHRASES

- I know your game
- You can’t fool me
- I’ve got you figured out
- I’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER
- I know what you’re up to
- Don’t try and take me for a fool
- You can’t pull the wool over my eyes

—
SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation, say something like:

“WE'VE GOT THEIR NUMBER, our competitors are reducing prices in order to force us out of the market.”

—
HERZLICHEN DANK to all readers helping me keep OWAD alive with single or monthly donations at:

https://donorbox.org/please-become-a-friend-of-owad-3

and,

Paul Smith, IBAN: DE75 7316 0000 0002 5477 40