got you pegged

[Jiayun]

Policement told the suspect "You got a lot of nerve. Maybe I got you pegged all wrong. Maybe you are a kidnapper."

What does "got you pegged" mean? Why can't I find it in the dictionary? Got a lot of nerve means the suspect has guts?

Thanks!

JY

 

[Chicken Sandwich]

NOT A TEACHER

See definition #2 here.

 

[BobK]

Where is this from? I haven't met this expression, but it seems to me that it might mean something like 'I had been thinking that you were a bank-robber [and so, put you - mentally - on the 'peg' marked 'Bank-Robbers'], but maybe I should move you to my (mental) 'Kidnappers' peg'.

But as I said, this would be a new one for me. I've chiefly met the verb 'peg[ged]' in the phrasal varb 'to peg back'.

b

 

[BobK]

NOT A TEACHER

See definition #2 here.

Is that Am E. Maybe I've just led a sheltered life. ;-)

b

 

[riquecohen]

Is that Am E. Maybe I've just led a sheltered life. ;-)

b

It's frequently heard in AmE.

 

[Gillnetter]

Is that Am E. Maybe I've just led a sheltered life. ;-)

b

And to think that I've always had you pegged as being so worldly. :lol:

 

[emsr2d2]

It's fine in BrE too. "I had you pegged as an animal lover but then I saw you eating veal!"

 

[charliedeut]

It's fine in BrE too. "I had you pegged as an animal lover but then I saw you eating veal!"

That's just because I love veal!;-)

 

[SoothingDave]

"Pegged" also refers to the needle on a speedometer being at its maximum reading (literally hitting the peg in the gauge).

 

[BobK]

It's fine in BrE too. "I had you pegged as an animal lover but then I saw you eating veal!"

As I say, it's a new one for me. I'd say 'I had you down as...'. In a Raymond Chandler novel I think it'd be something like 'I had you figured for a <noun>'. You live and learn. ;-)

b