# damp squib

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/damp-squib
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Anything that does not work properly, or fails to come up to expectations; a dud.

## Examples

- The expensive new movie was a total damp squib.
- Everyone expected the grand opening to be exciting, but it turned out to be a damp squib.
- Despite the massive marketing campaign and high expectations, the product launch proved to be a damp squib that failed to capture the public imagination.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.