Question 1

What does "top it off" mean?

Accepted Answer

To add a final bad or ironic element to an already bad or remarkable series of events.

Question 2

How do you use "top it off" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

I missed my train, forgot my wallet, and, to top it off, it started pouring with rain.

Question 3

Is "top it off" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"top it off" is informal — used mainly in casual conversation. Almost always used with 'to' as an infinitive clause following it: 'And to top it all off…'. The phrase is fixed; 'it' does not typically refer to a specific antecedent but functions as a dummy pronoun. Often used ironically or sarcastically to describe a final bad event in a bad day.

top it off

Expressions associées

Plus avec "it off"