top-off

[ top-awf, -of ]

/ ˈtɒpˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

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noun Australian Slang.

a person who informs on another, often as if by accident or as a joke.

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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

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Origin of top-off

First recorded in 1940–45; noun use of verb phrase top off to inform (on someone)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use top-off in a sentence

There is a particular focus in the magazine on attacking the United States, which al Qaeda calls a top target.
U.S. Spies See Al Qaeda Fingerprints on Paris Massacre|Shane Harris, Nancy A. Youssef|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In the meantime, Epstein has tried to use his charitable projects to float him back to the top.
Sleazy Billionaire’s Double Life Featured Beach Parties With Stephen Hawking|M.L. Nestel|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Although the blood-spattered offices will be off-limits, staff have vowed to continue producing the magazine.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
A passing off-duty school safety officer named Fred Lucas said that he had been told the man was a drug dealer.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST

If so, he has his silence -- on top of poor judgment -- to blame.
The Price of Steve Scalise’s Silence|Jason Berry|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
He came to the top of the stairs with a lamp in his hand, and wanted to know what the rumpus was about.
The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden
The offspring of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches, and make a noise as unclean roots upon the top of a rock.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
A far-off volley rumbled over the plain, and a few birds stirred uneasily among the trees.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
The jagged top and spurs of San Jacinto Mountain shone like the turrets and posterns of a citadel built of rubies.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
The way was under a double row of tall trees, which met at the top and formed a green arch over our heads.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay

British Dictionary definitions for top-off

top off

verb

(tr, adverb) to finish or complete, esp with some decisive actionhe topped off the affair by committing suicide

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with top-off

top off

Fill a container, especially when it is almost full to begin with. For example, I don't need much gas; just top off the tank, please. [First half of 1900s]

Finish, especially in a spectacular way, as in They topped off their trip with a visit to the White House. [First half of 1800s]