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An intimate friend and native Korean speaker explained that I should have added a word in what I said to her, but she summarized with
척하면 척이다
I think I get what she meant, but I began wondering what different ways we express this in english. As an example, I'm guessing this might be one way to translate it:
I'm picking up what you're putting down.
but since the phrase itself may be subject to its own meaning, nuance may best be represented with a list of suitable translations.
I've been discussing this with a group of well educated, native speaking Koreans. I believe the best translation will be:
I knew what you meant.
Because, the phrase seems to be used when a few words were spoken but more are understood, either based on context or some other mutual understanding. That's probably why my close friend understood what I meant; because we are close enough that I didn't have to complete my sentence perfectly to have communicated what I was thinking.
Perhaps some other less likely candidates might include:
I know what you mean.
I get it.
I'm following you.
I'm with you.
I know where you're going.
No need to say more.
