damp squib

noun

British Informal.

1. something meant but failing to impress or succeed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of damp squib¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

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.

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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.

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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.

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"After so much hype, the SDR is a damp squib," he said.

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Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge called the plans a "damp squib", which was "underfunded and totally underwhelming".

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