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cap on

C1 formal separable transitive
In simple words

To set a maximum limit so something cannot go above that amount.

Literal meaning: To put a cap (lid/ceiling) on something.

Meanings

1 C1 formal

To impose an upper limit on an amount, rate, or quantity.

"The government capped welfare payments to encourage people back into work."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Common in economic, financial, and policy language. Often appears as 'put a cap on' or 'place a cap on' rather than the pure phrasal verb form. The phrasal verb form is less fixed and may be paraphrased in formal texts.

Commonly used with

spending salaries prices bonuses interest rates benefits

Forms

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

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