top out

To reach the highest level, amount, or speed that is possible.

• This car tops out at 180 kilometres per hour.
• House prices topped out last summer and then fell.
• How high will temperatures top out today?

How to use it: top out at something (Her annual salary tops out at eighty thousand dollars.)

Similar words: peak, reach a maximum

Common phrases: top out somewhere, top out quickly

To finish building the highest part of a tall building.

• The workers topped out the new tower.
• They will top out the office building next month.
• The hotel was topped out before work began on its windows.

How to use it: top out a building (The builders topped out the tower on Friday.)

Similar words: top off

Common phrases: top out something, top something out

To finish a climb by getting over the top edge of the rock or wall.

• She topped out on the boulder.
• We topped out after three hours of climbing.
• Can you top out without using that small crack?

How to use it: top out on something (We topped out on a wide ledge.); top out a route (She topped out the route just before dark.)

Similar words: finish a climb

Common phrases: top out safely, top out something

To leave your career while you are still very successful.

• She chose to top out after her greatest success.
• The champion topped out rather than risk a losing season.
• He plans to top out while his films still attract huge audiences.

Similar words: quit at the top, retire at your peak

Common phrases: top out early, top out now