damp squib

American

noun

British Informal.

something meant but failing to impress or succeed.

Etymology

Origin of damp squib

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Labour MP Michelle Welsh, a prominent campaigner on maternity safety, says there is a danger the Amos review will become a damp squib and is urging the government to act decisively, including creating a maternity commissioner responsible for ensuring care improves.

From BBC

Since then the window has had its moments, but the final day itself has been something of a damp squib.

From BBC

Now Frank is out of the Cup following the latest damp squib in the former Brentford manager's wretched first season in charge.

From Barron's

Guardiola's 100th Champions League match as City boss was a damp squib, in stark contrast to so many of the previous 99, which includes 62 wins and the club's maiden European crown in 2023.

From Barron's

It's no mean feat, albeit both were a damp squib with Scotland wheezing their way to an early exit on each occasion without really landing a punch on, well, anyone.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023