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# a damp squib

phrase (idiom; noun phrase: a damp squib, damp squibs)

«a damp squib» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (UK, informal) something that was expected to be exciting but turned out disappointing.
2. (literal, old) a small firework that fails because it got wet.

### In the lessons

UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand; news, sports reports and chat; a polite understatement for a flop.

### Examples

- The fireworks show was a bit of a damp squib.
- The big match turned out a damp squib, nil-nil.
- News: «The much-hyped launch proved a damp squib.»
- My birthday was a damp squib — it rained all day.
- The scandal turned out to be a damp squib.
- A squib is a little firework; a damp one just fizzles.

### Note

Stands for «a disappointment, a flop». Often misspelt or misheard as «damp squid» — it is «squib», a firework, not a sea animal. Not used about people.