cap off
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Phrasal Verb: - To finish or complete something, often with a decisive, remarkable, or fitting final action or event. It implies providing a notable conclusion.
Usage
"Cap off" is a separable phrasal verb. It is typically used with an object (what is being concluded). * Structure: cap off [something] OR cap [something] off * The action that "caps off" the event is usually the final and most memorable part.
Examples
- The chef capped off the exquisite meal with a perfect espresso.
- They capped the celebration off with a spectacular fireworks display.
- To cap off a brilliant career, she delivered one final, award-winning performance.
- He capped off his argument with a piece of undeniable evidence.
Advanced Usage
- Passive Voice: The event or period is often the subject when using the passive voice.
- The successful product launch was capped off by the CEO's inspiring speech.
- Figurative Use: It can be used for abstract sequences, not just physical events.
- A week of stressful negotiations was capped off by a sudden breakthrough.
Variants and Related Words
- Cap (verb): To surpass or be a climax to. (e.g., )
- Top off (phrasal verb): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "cap off," especially for completing something satisfactorily.
- We topped off the evening with a nightcap.
Synonyms
- Culminate in: To reach the highest or final point.
- Crown: To be the culminating event or achievement.
- Finish off: To complete or conclude.
- Round off: To finish something in a satisfactory way.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- End with: A more neutral alternative without the connotation of a special finale.
- The meeting ended with a vote. (Neutral)
- The meeting was capped off by a surprising announcement. (Emphasizes the notable finale)
Related Idioms
- The icing on the cake: Something that makes a good situation even better. This is similar in spirit to "cap off," but "icing on the cake" is usually a noun phrase, while "cap off" is a verb describing the action of adding that final touch.
- Winning the award was the icing on the cake after a great year.
- A great year was capped off by winning the award.
Verb
- finish or complete, as with some decisive action
- he capped off the meeting with a radical proposal