damp squib
Americannoun
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.
Advisory firm Oxford Economics said the direct impact on Iran's revenues would be "somewhat of a damp squib".
From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026
Polling expert John Curtice told the BBC that Farage had been hoping for a "very substantial political circus" but may end up with a "relatively damp squib" if no one challenges him properly.
From Barron's ● Jul. 8, 2026
Since then the window has had its moments, but the final day itself has been something of a damp squib.
From BBC ● Feb. 3, 2026
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 ● Sep. 28, 2025
You remind me of a damp squib, all fuss and no result.
From Godfrey Marten, Undergraduate by Charles Turley
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
