To complete or finish something in a notable way, often adding one final memorable or extreme element.
To finish something with one last thing, usually something that makes the whole situation even better or worse.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
To put a cap on top of something to finish it.
To finish something with one last thing, usually something that makes the whole situation even better or worse.
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).
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "cap it off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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