To cap/top it all Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Negative Climax Use 'to cap/top it all' when the final event makes a bad situation worse. The day was awful, and to cap it all, I missed the last train home. Pro Tip 2/3Conversational Tone This phrase is informal, suitable for conversations rather than formal writing. I lost my keys and to top it all, my phone's battery died. Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Twist It emphasizes an unexpected event that completes a bad experience. After a week of problems, and to cap it all, I now have to move out.