damp squibs
Anticlimactic letdowns expected more
Damp squibs are things that fail to meet expectations—events, announcements, or efforts that fizzle rather than impress.
A squib is a small firework; a damp one won't ignite properly.
The phrase describes anticlimactic outcomes: The product launch was a damp squib—hardly anyone showed up.
More common in British than American English.
- disappointingFailing to satisfy expectations
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- fell flatFailed to impress
- ineffectualFailing to achieve purpose
- underwhelmingFailing to meet expectations
failure · epic fail · letdown · total letdown · flop · bombs · misfire · nonstarter · dead in the water · flash in the pan · firecracker · lemons · turkeys · fizzle · disillusionment · fiasco · dud · fuse
damp squibstriumphs
Overwhelming victories
smash hits · blockbusters · home runs · knockouts · sensations
damp squibsshowstoppers
Spectacles that astound audiences
fireworks · explosions · blockbusters · spectacles · barnburners
damp, squib, damped, dampen, dampens, dampened, dampening, dampener, dampeners