# cap off

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cap-off
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to finish or complete something in a satisfying or impressive way.

For teachers: to conclude an event or series of actions with a final, often superior or definitive, achievement or gesture.

## Examples

- We capped off the night with a delicious dessert.
- The team capped off their perfect season by winning the championship trophy in front of their home fans.
- The architect decided to cap off the skyscraper with a glass spire that would reflect the sunset across the entire city skyline.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He capped the ceremony off it." but "He capped the ceremony off." — if using a pronoun like 'it', it must come before the particle 'off' because this verb is optional in its separability.

## Usage notes

- usually used with a positive or successful conclusion to a series of events.
- Teaching tip: anchor the meaning with the image of putting a 'cap' or lid on a bottle to finish it; it is often used in sports and business contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.