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cap it off

B2 informal transitive
In simple words

To finish something with one last thing, usually something that makes the whole situation even better or worse.

Literal meaning: To put a cap on top of something to finish it.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To complete something in a particularly memorable, impressive, or extreme way, with a final element that defines the whole experience.

"And to cap it all off, the chef brought out a spectacular chocolate fountain for dessert."

2 B2 idiomatic informal

To add one final negative element to an already bad situation, making it even worse.

"He missed his flight, lost his wallet, and to cap it off, it started raining."

Usage notes

The pronoun 'it' is fixed in this expression; you cannot say 'cap the day off' in the same idiomatic way. Often used with 'to cap it all off' for emphasis. The final element can be positive (a great dessert) or negative (one more disaster).

Commonly used with

evening disaster celebration meal awful day performance

Forms

Base
cap it off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
caps it off
he/she/it
Past simple
caped it off
yesterday
Past participle
caped it off
have + pp
-ing form
caping it off
continuous

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