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

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

It was a damp squib for the majority at St James' Park, the agony after the Champions League ecstasy of the previous game.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2023

Trepidation about the speech largely explains why renewed buzz about artificial intelligence after this week's blowout Nvidia results ended up being such as a damp squib on Thursday.

From Reuters • Aug. 25, 2023

Altogether, The Volcano causes explosions of merriment in all parts of the house, and has entirely escaped the once-impending danger of fizzling out like a damp squib.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 100, April 11, 1891 by Various