top-off

[top-awf, -of]

noun

Australian Slang.

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

top off

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to finish or complete, esp with some decisive action

   he topped off the affair by committing suicide

Word History and Origins

Origin of top off¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

And if you’re in a rush, a 15-minute top-off will get you several hours of playback time.

From The Verge

Many experts believe the third shot does more than just top-off waning immunity; the shot also broadens the ability of the immune system to defend against variants, including omicron.

From Washington Post

Engineers deliberately left the fuel tank accessible for a top-off by visiting spacecraft, if and when such technology becomes available.

From Seattle Times

They can be fully charged up in 2.5 hours, and in a low-battery pinch, a 15-minute top-off should get you three hours of listening time.

From The Verge

The fund is filled with gas tax receipts and the occasional top-off from the government’s regular coffers.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• achieve 
• break up 
• cease 
• close 
• complete 
• conclude 
• culminate 
• delay 
• drop 
• expire 
• finish 
• give up 
• halt 
• play out 
• quit 
• resolve 
• settle 
• stop 
• terminate 
• wind up