damp squib
📖 generalMeaning
Something that is expected to be exciting, impressive, or effective but turns out to be disappointing, weak, or a failure.
Literal Meaning
A firework (squib) that fails to ignite properly due to being damp, resulting in a fizzle rather than an explosion.
Example
“After all the hype, the new product launch turned out to be a bit of a damp squib, failing to attract much attention.”