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Meaning of 'Not with a bang but a whimper'

What does the saying 'Not with a bang but a whimper' mean?

Idiom: Not with a bang but a whimper

Meaning:

To end on a muted note - most likely in a situation where one would have expected a more spectacular finish. This expression was coined by T.S. Elliot in his 1925 poem, The Hollow Men, which ends: This is the way the world ends This is the way the world ends This is the way the world ends Not with a bang but a whimper.

Country: International English | Subject Area: General | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used
All idioms have been editorially reviewed. Submitted idioms may have been edited for correctness and completeness.
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