To cap/top it all

phrase

Used when something reaches its worst, unexpected point completing a series of bad things.

I had a terrible day at work, then I got stuck in a traffic jam, and to cap it all, it started raining heavily and I forgot my umbrella at home.
Visual representation of "to cap/top it all" - Used when something reaches its worst, unexpected point completing a series of bad things.

Often appears as...

  • to cap it all off
  • to top it all off

Usage tips

Idiomatic,General

phrase

Used when something reaches its worst, unexpected point completing a series of bad things.

I had a terrible day at work, then I got stuck in a traffic jam, and to cap it all, it started raining heavily and I forgot my umbrella at home.
Visual representation of "to cap/top it all" - Used when something reaches its worst, unexpected point completing a series of bad things.

Often appears as...

  • to cap it all off
  • to top it all off

Usage tips

Idiomatic,General

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "to cap/top it all"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Climax

Use 'to cap/top it all' when the final event makes a bad situation worse.

Illustration for Negative Climax
The day was awful, and to cap it all, I missed the last train home.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Conversational Tone

This phrase is informal, suitable for conversations rather than formal writing.

Illustration for Conversational Tone
I lost my keys and to top it all, my phone's battery died.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Unexpected Twist

It emphasizes an unexpected event that completes a bad experience.

Illustration for Unexpected Twist
After a week of problems, and to cap it all, I now have to move out.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Climax

Use 'to cap/top it all' when the final event makes a bad situation worse.

Illustration for Negative Climax
The day was awful, and to cap it all, I missed the last train home.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Conversational Tone

This phrase is informal, suitable for conversations rather than formal writing.

Illustration for Conversational Tone
I lost my keys and to top it all, my phone's battery died.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Unexpected Twist

It emphasizes an unexpected event that completes a bad experience.

Illustration for Unexpected Twist
After a week of problems, and to cap it all, I now have to move out.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Climax

Use 'to cap/top it all' when the final event makes a bad situation worse.

Illustration for Negative Climax
The day was awful, and to cap it all, I missed the last train home.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Conversational Tone

This phrase is informal, suitable for conversations rather than formal writing.

Illustration for Conversational Tone
I lost my keys and to top it all, my phone's battery died.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Unexpected Twist

It emphasizes an unexpected event that completes a bad experience.

Illustration for Unexpected Twist
After a week of problems, and to cap it all, I now have to move out.
Visual representation of the word "To cap/top it all"

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