damp squib

American  

noun

British Informal.

1. something meant but failing to impress or succeed.

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Etymology

Origin of damp squib

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

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

But the much-anticipated showdown between two Heisman-candidate quarterbacks and national championship-quality teams had been a damp squib over the first two quarters.

From The Wall Street Journal