If you catch my drift
This phrase means to understand something without being told explicitly. It is a way to suggest something, as in, “I’m really thirsty, if you catch my drift.” It is implied that the speaker wants to be given something to drink. The phrase calls attention to something that is not explicitly said. It tells the listener to look for a deeper meaning in the previous statement. This phrase can replace “if you know what I am saying” which is a more direct way of calling attention to the statement.
Example: “He may not have the physical tools to compete, if you catch my drift.” (He is not strong enough)
The word drift is interesting because it is a very old word. Because it is so old, the original meaning has changed over time. Drift may have come from Old Norse, Middle Dutch, or Old English. The Old Norse origin of drift relates to snowdrifts (collection of snow caused by wind). Middle Dutch drift was related to a group of animals (birds). But I want to spend time on the Old English etymology.
The Old English drift may have been a suffixed form of drive (thrift/thrive = drift/drive). ‘Drive’ has also changed in meaning over time. However, the word drive means to put a force on something to make it move. Driving cattle means to makes the cows move (usually in a specific direction). So, how does this relate to ‘catch my drift’? Well, if you don’t catch the cattle they will just run by. In the same way, if you don’t catch the deeper meaning of the statement, it will just pass you by. It will drift past you.
A later meaning of drift will help to explain this. In the 16th century, the word drift was used in relation to boats. A boat can drift off course. This means that some factor (wind/currents/human error) forced it to move away from its intended path. If you think about a boat being pushed, it will help to understand this phrase. If you do not catch the boat, it will drift away (you won’t get the intended meaning of the statement). But if you do catch the boat, it means you received the information and you understand the deeper meaning of the statement.
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Further Reading: http://www.word-detective.com/2010/03/drift-catch-my/