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top off

B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To add a little more to something that's almost full, or to end something perfectly.

Literal meaning: To add liquid until it reaches the top of a container.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To add a small amount of liquid to a container or glass that is almost, but not completely, full.

"The waiter offered to top off our wine glasses before the main course arrived."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To complete or conclude something, especially a meal or event, with a final element.

"We topped off the perfect evening with a walk along the beach."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 neutral

To fill a vehicle's fuel tank completely, usually when it is nearly empty.

"I stopped at the service station to top off the tank before the long drive."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

In American English, commonly used at petrol stations or in restaurants ('Can I top off your coffee?'). Also used figuratively to mean adding a final flourish to an experience or meal. Less common in British English, where 'top up' is preferred.

Commonly used with

tank glass coffee meal evening drink

Forms

Base
top off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tops off
he/she/it
Past simple
toped off
yesterday
Past participle
toped off
have + pp
-ing form
toping off
continuous

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Synonyms

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