damp squib
Anticlimactic letdown expected
A damp squib is something that fails to meet expectations—an anticlimax.
The phrase comes from fireworks: a squib is a small explosive, and one that gets wet won't ignite properly.
The much-hyped product launch turned out to be a damp squib.
More common in British than American English.
Complete commercial failure
- bustFailure or sculpture
- washoutComplete failure or cancellation
- fiascoHumiliating public failure
- debacleSudden, complete failure
misfire · dud · nonstarter · botch · blunder · disaster · collapse · shambles
Failure to satisfy expectations
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- deflationSustained decrease in prices
- comedownHumiliating loss of status
- disillusionmentBitter loss of faith
disenchantment · dashed hopes · unfulfilled · non-event · bore · drag · bummer · downer
Lacking power or efficacy
- ineffectualFailing to achieve purpose
- weakLacking power or force
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
- futileIncapable of producing results
useless · toothless · feeble · unproductive · unavailing · limp · flat · stillborn
Indifference, vocalized
- unimpressiveFailing to inspire admiration
- mediocreOf only moderate quality
- lacklusterLacking brilliance or vitality
- blandLacking distinctive qualities
forgettable · unremarkable · ho-hum · anticlimactic · tame · flat · insipid · pallid
flop
Complete commercial failure
debacle · misfire · dud · nonstarter · botch · blunder · disaster · collapse · shambles · turkey
letdown
Failure to satisfy expectations
- disappointmentSadness from unmet expectations
- deflationSustained decrease in prices
- comedownHumiliating loss of status
disillusionment · disenchantment · dashed hopes · unfulfilled · non-event · bore · drag · bummer · downer · false hope
impotent
Lacking power or efficacy
- ineffectualFailing to achieve purpose
- weakLacking power or force
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
futile · useless · toothless · feeble · unproductive · unavailing · limp · flat · stillborn · abortive
meh
Indifference, vocalized
- unimpressiveFailing to inspire admiration
- mediocreOf only moderate quality
- lacklusterLacking brilliance or vitality
bland · forgettable · unremarkable · ho-hum · anticlimactic · tame · flat · insipid · pallid · uninspiring
- letdownsletdown, disappointment, anticlimax, dud, flop
- disappointmentsletdown, anticlimax, flop, dud, fizzle
- grumpsgrouch, grump, curmudgeon, sourpuss, crank
damp squibtriumph
Resounding, celebrated victory
smash hit · blockbuster · runaway success · knockout · home run
damp squibsensation
Perceived stimulus or phenomenon
bombshell · showstopper · fireworks · explosion · thunderbolt
damp squibfireworks
Explosive light displays
showstopper · spectacle · blowout · extravaganza · barnstormer