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]

Example Sentences

His fastball was playing up, eclipsing 100 mph seven times and topping out at 101.7 mph.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s removing the income cap on the payroll tax, which tops out this year at $176,100 in wage income.

From Los Angeles Times

The warming began Wednesday, when Palm Springs hit 116 degrees, Woodland Hills reached 101 and Lancaster topped out at 100.

From Los Angeles Times

The Crescent City tsunami in 2011 topped out at 8 feet.

From Los Angeles Times

It really has been quite chilly in the City by the Bay, which is experiencing its coldest summer in decades, with no significant warm-up in sight and daytime highs topping out in the mid-60s.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• climax 
• crest 
• culminate