cap
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a soft, flat hat that fits closely to the head and usually has a stiff part at the front called a peak.
n.a close-fitting head covering, typically soft and brimless or featuring a peak, often worn for sport or casual use.
Simple“He pulled his baseball cap down low to keep the sun out of his eyes.”
In context“The player adjusted his cap before stepping onto the field, ensuring the peak was perfectly aligned to block the stadium lights.”
Synonymshatheadwear - 02 A2 Elementary
n.a small lid or cover used to close a bottle, tube, or pen.
n.a protective lid or seal designed to close the opening of a container or the tip of an object.
Simple“Make sure you put the cap back on the pen so it doesn't dry out.”
In context“The technician tightened the plastic cap on the chemical vial to prevent any accidental leakage during transport.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a maximum amount of money that can be spent or charged.
n.a legally or contractually mandated upper limit on a price, salary, or expenditure.
Simple“The government introduced a cap on energy prices to help families with bills.”
In context“The league's salary cap prevents wealthier clubs from monopolising the best talent by restricting total player compensation.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
n.a lie or an exaggeration.
n.a statement that is untrue or exaggerated; frequently used in the phrase 'no cap' to mean 'I am not lying'.
Simple“He said he met the president, but I think that's a cap.”
In context“The claim that he finished the entire project in a single afternoon was pure cap, as his colleagues had seen him struggling for weeks.”
Teacher's tipCommonly used by younger speakers; 'no cap' is a very frequent modern idiom used to emphasise sincerity.
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.an appearance for a national team in a sport like football or rugby.
n.an international appearance for a national sports team, originating from the physical cap formerly awarded to players.
Simple“The striker earned his fiftieth cap for England in the match against France.”
In context“Despite his consistent performance at the club level, the midfielder struggled to secure a regular cap for the national squad.”
Synonyms - 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to set a maximum limit on an amount of money.
v.to impose an upper limit on a variable, such as a price, interest rate, or budget.
Simple“The council decided to cap rent increases at three percent per year.”
In context“The central bank may choose to cap interest rates if the volatility in the bond market continues to escalate.”
- 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to finish something in a great way, or to do something even better than what came before.
v.to conclude an event or series of actions, often in a superlative way; to surpass a previous achievement.
Simple“They capped the evening with a beautiful firework display over the lake.”
In context“The team capped a remarkable season by winning the championship trophy in front of their home crowd.”
Usage cap mushrooms