I knew you had it in you

[Cristina de Felipe]

I know this expression normally means something like "I knew you could do it" but in the book I'm reading it's what a father tells his son when he tells him he's going to be a father (and it will be his father's first grandson).

He wasn't challenged in any way as if they were trying to have a baby but it didn't work, it was just something unexpected so I'm not sure I understand the meaning in this context. Thank you!

[susiedqq]

It's a crude way of saying, "I knew you were capable of fathering a child."

[Cristina de Felipe]

Thanks again.

The father is a caring and sweet person and he's very moved by the news so it doesn't make sense that he'd say something that rude. It's an Irish novel. Could it be some kind of Irish colloquialism which implies a different nuance?

[Anglika]

I don't see it as being particularly crude in this context, but as indicating a certain pride in his son achieving fatherhood.

[Cristina de Felipe]

Thanks. Could you please provide an example with a similar expression so that I can understand the meaning?

[bhaisahab]

Thanks again.

The father is a caring and sweet person and he's very moved by the news so it doesn't make sense that he'd say something that rude. It's an Irish novel. Could it be some kind of Irish colloquialism which implies a different nuance?

It's not at all rude, I can well imagine an Irish father saying "Ah that's great son, I knew you had it in you." he is simply expressing pride and happiness.