Word: Finish Off
Definition:
"Finish off" is a phrasal verb that means to complete something, especially a task or project, until it is completely done. It often implies that you are reaching the end of something that requires effort or time.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "finish off" when you want to talk about completing work, eating the last part of a meal, or completing a task that is almost done. It is usually used in informal contexts.
Examples:
1. Completing a Task: "I just need to finish off my report before I can go home." 2. Eating: "Can you finish off this pizza? I’m too full!"
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced contexts, "finish off" can also imply that you are finalizing or concluding an ongoing process. For example, "The team worked hard to finish off the project before the deadline."
Word Variants:
- Finishing (noun): The act of completing something. "The finishing touches on the painting made it look amazing." - Finished (adjective): Something that is completed. "The project is finished."
Different Meanings:
While "finish off" primarily means to complete something, in some contexts, it can also mean to destroy or eliminate something completely. For example: "The storm finished off several houses in the area."
Synonyms:
- Complete - Conclude - Wrap up - Finalize - Execute
Idioms and Related Phrasal Verbs:
- Wrap up: This means to finish something, often used in a more general context. Example: "Let’s wrap up this meeting." - Complete: This is a more formal synonym. Example: "She completed her degree last year."
Usage in Sentences:
1. "After a long day, I finally managed to finish off all the tasks on my list." 2. "He finished off the last chapter of the book in one sitting."
In summary, "finish off" is a useful phrase to describe completing something, whether it's a task, a project, or even food.