finishing touch

Idioms  

1. A small change or addition that serves to complete something. For example, The room still needed a few finishing touches, such as a flower arrangement. This expression is sometimes put as a finishing stroke. [c. 1700]

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Example Sentences

Now she’s two wins away from putting the finishing touch on what has been a dream Olympics—with a gold medal around her neck.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

There’s often softness, too, ingredients that relax into the pot, and finally, a finishing touch, the small flourish that makes the whole thing feel complete.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

Fernando Mendoza and Indiana bullied their way into the history books, toppling Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

"We lacked the finishing touch but had some clear chances... I think the team showed up well, but in both boxes we weren't quite good enough."

From Barron's • Jan. 17, 2026

For the finishing touch, she placed the princess’s emerald ring on her finger.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• accompaniment