In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase. Damp squib.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of the English idiom “damp squib”. Idioms are fixed expressions whose meanings cannot always be guessed from the literal meanings of the individual words. Competitive exams regularly include idiom questions to check whether you are familiar with standard English phrases used in newspapers, speeches and literature. “Damp squib” is an idiom that comes from fireworks terminology and is now often used to describe an event or effort that fails to live up to expectations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The idiom is “damp squib”.
You must choose the option that best captures its figurative meaning in modern English usage.
The options describe very different concepts: “complete failure”, “complete knowledge”, “to motivate” and “to squander money”.
The question is about meaning, not literal interpretation of “damp” or “squib”.

Concept / Approach:
Historically, a “squib” is a small firework. If the squib is damp, it does not explode properly and fails to produce the expected display. From this idea, the idiom “damp squib” developed to mean something that turns out to be a disappointment or a complete failure after great expectations. For example, “The much-hyped meeting turned out to be a damp squib” means it was a failure or anti-climax. Among the options, “complete failure” clearly matches this sense. The other options talk about knowledge, motivation or wasting money, none of which is connected to the idea of an event that fails to deliver.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that “damp squib” is an idiom, not just a descriptive phrase. Step 2: Recall or learn its figurative meaning: an event or effort that fails badly, especially after initial excitement. Step 3: Compare this meaning with the options given. Step 4: “Complete failure” perfectly fits the idea of a firework that does not go off properly and an event that disappoints. Step 5: “Complete knowledge” has no relation to disappointment or failure. Step 6: “To motivate” means to encourage or inspire, which is unrelated to the concept of failure. Step 7: “To squander money” means to waste money carelessly, which again is not the core meaning of the idiom.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the idiom in a sentence: “All the publicity and hype about the new product launch ended in a damp squib.” If you substitute “complete failure”, you get: “All the publicity and hype about the new product launch ended in a complete failure.” The meaning remains essentially the same: expectations were high but the result was disappointing. Substituting any of the other options changes the sense completely and makes the sentence unnatural. This confirms that “complete failure” is the correct paraphrase of the idiom in exam-style English.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Complete knowledge: This refers to full understanding of something and is positive, not negative or disappointing, so it cannot match the idiom which denotes failure.
To motivate: This describes inspiring someone to act; it has no connection to an event failing or succeeding and does not match the idea of a “damp squib”.
To squander money: While wasting money could lead to failure, the idiom itself does not specifically refer to financial waste; it focuses on disappointment after expectation, not on spending behaviour.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners get misled by the words “damp” and “squib” and try to think of physical meanings like “wet cloth” or “weak sound”. In idiom questions, you must remember that the language is figurative and often based on historical uses that are not obvious today. The safest approach is to treat the idiom as a single unit, recall any example you have seen, and link it to a simple meaning such as “damp squib = total disappointment or complete failure”. Building a small personal notebook of idioms with example sentences is very helpful for scoring high in idiom and phrase questions.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: complete failure.