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.
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 • Jan. 10, 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
Mr Swinney's own leadership of the SNP was a bit of a damp squib.
From BBC • Mar. 2, 2023
The only worry left is that it might be a damp squib.
From Reuters • Aug. 26, 2022
But on Monday morning shops were open again; everything as normal as you please; and the cheerful prophets congratulated themselves that the explosion had proved a damp squib after all.
From Far to Seek A Romance of England and India by Diver, Maud
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
