Definition of the word finish off

The phrase "finish off" originated in the late 19th century, primarily in the context of hunting and fishing. It referred to the act of delivering the fatal blow or shot to an animal that had already been wounded or weakened, in order to ensure that it would not be able to escape or recover. The term "finish off" literally means to complete or bring something to its intended conclusion, in this case, the end of an animal's life. The phrase was initially used in reference to animals, but it subsequently became more broadly applied to tasks, projects, or endeavors that required a final, conclusive step or action to be completed. In modern usage, "finish off" can still sometimes have this connotation of completing a task or activity, but it is often used more generally to signify putting something to an end or bringing it to a concluded state, whether that is as benign as wrapping up a conversation or as serious as resolving a longstanding conflict or issue. In summary, the origin of "finish off" can be traced back to its literal meaning in hunting and fishing contexts, but its broader and more general interpretation has evolved alongside the changing usage and connotations associated with the phrase over time.