top out

verb

1. (adverb) to place the highest stone on (a building) or perform a ceremony on this occasion

Idioms and Phrases

Complete the top portion of a building, as in They were scheduled to top out the dome next week . This idiom was first recorded in 1834.

Fill up a ship or complete its cargo, as in The ship was topped out with scrap iron . This idiom was first recorded in 1940.

Cease rising, as in Interest rates topped out at 10 percent . [Second half of 1900s]

Retire just as one becomes very successful, as in He decided that at sixty it was time to top out . [ Colloquial ; second half of 1900s]

Related Words

• climax 
• crest 
• culminate