Flash in the pan meaning
What does the saying 'Flash in the pan' mean?
Idiom: Flash in the pan
Meaning:
If something is a flash in the pan, it is very noticeable but doesn't last long, like most singers, who are very successful for a while, then forgotten.
Country: International English |
Subject Area: Furniture and household fittings |
Usage Type: Both or All Words Used
Meaning:
When someone or something is a "flash in the pan," they were a star or famous for a shorter time than expected. Itcome from the flintlock gun era, when the powder in a flintlock's pan could go off with a flash but not the main charge in the barrel. Itis an expectation of something more than what you actually get.
All idioms have been editorially reviewed, and submitted idioms may have been edited for correctness and completeness.
« Previous: Flash as a rat with a gold tooth
Next: Flat as a pancake »
Similar Idioms
Idiom eBooks from UsingEnglish.com
Download our curated lists of idioms in PDF format - perfect to use offline for reference or for use in class!
If you have a question about idioms, ask us about it in our Idioms Discussion Forum.
If you know of an idiom that you would like to be listed here, please use our online form to suggest an idiom.
See also:
- View examples in Google: Flash in the pan
- Idiom Quizzes