to top it off
Definition
The meaning: To top it off is an idiomatic expression used to introduce one last, often surprising or final, detail that completes or exaggerates a situation — usually for emphasis.
La signification: L'expression anglaise to top it off, qui signifie "pour couronner le tout", est utilisée pour ajouter un élément final, souvent surprenant ou exagéré, à une série de faits. Elle indique que quelque chose vient s’ajouter à une situation déjà remarquable, bonne ou mauvaise.
Note: This phrase can be used in both positive and negative contexts. It often marks the climax of a description.
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» Pour couronner le tout
» En plus de ça
» Et le pompon...
» Cerise sur le gâteau
» Et par-dessus le marché
A: Il a oublié mon anniversaire.
B: Et pour couronner le tout, il est parti en vacances sans me le dire ?!
English synonyms
» And on top of that
» To make matters worse/better
» As if that weren’t enough
» To cap it all off
» The cherry on top
A: It rained the whole trip.
B: To top it off, we missed our flight home!
Dialogue
Olivia: "The hotel was overbooked, the room wasn’t clean, and the staff was rude."
Ethan: "Wow, that’s awful."
Olivia: "And to top it off, they charged us for an extra night!"
Ethan: "Unbelievable!"
Etymology
Origin: The phrase to top it off comes from the idea of putting a final touch — often something impressive or significant — on top of something. The verb “to top” in English can mean to complete or surpass. This idiom has been used since the early 20th century to highlight a final detail that emphasizes a story.
Audience
The phrase "to top it off" is frequently heard in both casual and formal English when someone is adding a final point that enhances the story or situation.
When to use: Use this expression when telling stories, giving complaints, or sharing anecdotes. It’s often used in dramatic or humorous storytelling to add emphasis: "He forgot our anniversary — and to top it off, he went out with his friends that night!"
Dictionary Meaning
The Free Dictionary says that to top it off means "To finish or complete an experience or situation in an especially positive or negative way." Here's a provided example of use: 'What a bad day: I left my phone in the grocery store, my car broke down on the way home, and, to top it all off, my groceries broke through the bag as I was walking to the front door.'
News Snippet
"On his last episode, Noah noted, 'I remember when I started this show, there were so many people that hated everything about me.' When he took the reigns in 2015, he was already big in South Africa, but largely unknown in the US. To top it off, he’s mixed race and, most crucially, not American."
Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "To Top It Off"
To Top It Off
To add one final thing to a situation, often something surprising or extreme.
Example: "We were late, the tickets were sold out, and to top it off, it started raining."
As If That Weren’t Enough
Used to introduce something additional to an already negative or impressive list.
Example: "She lost her job and, as if that weren’t enough, her car broke down."
To Cap It All Off
To add a final detail, often used similarly to “to top it off.”
Example: "They forgot my order and, to cap it all off, charged me twice."
The Cherry on Top
A final touch that makes something perfect (positive) or more extreme (negative).
Example: "The meal was amazing, and the dessert was the cherry on top."
Add Insult to Injury
To make a bad situation even worse.
Example: "He spilled coffee on my report and, to add insult to injury, blamed me for it."
Rub Salt in the Wound
To make someone feel even worse about something bad that has happened.
Example: "Reminding her of her failure just rubbed salt in the wound."
All Hell Broke Loose
Used when something chaotic or extreme happens suddenly, often following a final event.
Example: "The speaker made one last controversial remark and all hell broke loose."
Over the Top
Excessive, extreme, or exaggerated — often the final element makes it so.
Example: "The decorations were beautiful but the fireworks were over the top."
Push It Too Far
To exceed acceptable limits, often with one last action.
Example: "He kept joking, but the last one pushed it too far."
Throw Fuel on the Fire
To worsen a tense or bad situation by adding something provocative.
Example: "His rude reply just threw fuel on the fire."
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