Used to describe the final, often ironic or extreme, addition to a series of events.
To add one last thing on top of everything else that already happened.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To add a final bad or ironic element to an already bad or remarkable series of events.
"I missed my train, forgot my wallet, and, to top it off, it started pouring with rain."
And to top it off, we lost the game in the final minute.
To add a final positive or impressive finishing touch to something good.
"The dessert was delicious and, to top it off, the chef came out to greet us personally."
To place something on the very top of a pile.
To add one last thing on top of everything else that already happened.
Almost always used with 'to' as an infinitive clause following it: 'And to top it all off…'. The phrase is fixed; 'it' does not typically refer to a specific antecedent but functions as a dummy pronoun. Often used ironically or sarcastically to describe a final bad event in a bad day.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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