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."
separable
cap on
C1 formal separable transitive
To place an upper limit or ceiling on something, such as spending, prices, or salaries.
In plain English
To set a maximum limit so something cannot go above that amount.
What does "cap on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To put a cap (lid/ceiling) on something.
Actually means
To set a maximum limit so something cannot go above that amount.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "cap on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
spending salaries prices bonuses interest rates benefits
How to conjugate "cap on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "cap on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cap on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.