finish up

/ˈfɪnɪʃ ʌp/
phrasal verbIntermediatephrasal verb
informal

to complete or conclude something, often after some time or effort

We need to finish up the project by Friday.

We must complete the project by Friday.

Let's finish up this discussion and move on to the next topic.

Let's conclude this discussion and proceed to the next topic.

💡

Often used when wrapping up tasks or activities, especially when there is a sense of finality or completion.

Collocations

finish up workto complete one's workfinish up a mealto eat the last part of a meal

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

wrap upphrasal verb
to complete or conclude something
clean upphrasal verb
to tidy or organize something

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

'Finish up' is often used when there is a sense of finality or completion, especially after some effort or time.

Gold Rule

Informal Usage

'Finish up' is more common in informal contexts. In formal writing, 'complete' or 'conclude' may be more appropriate.

📖Word Origin

The verb 'finish' comes from Old French 'finiss-', meaning 'to end.' The phrase 'finish up' combines this with the adverb 'up,' which often implies completion or finality.

📝Usage Notes

'Finish up' is commonly used in informal contexts to indicate the completion of a task or activity. It can also imply cleaning up or tidying up after something.

Word Breakdown

finish
to complete or end something
root
+
up
implies completion or finality
particle
English Dictionary