[General] a flash in the pan

[vil]

Dear teachers,


Would you tell me whether I am right with my interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentence?


Of course it’s only a flash in the pan. .. She’ll never write anything else. (Maugham’s “Complete Short Stories”)

a flash in the pan = an unsuccessful attempt


Thank you for your efforts.


Regards,


V

 

[Pedroski]

No, a flash in the pan is a one-off success, a short-lived success. But success! Bright for a moment, then gone.

He is saying she has written something good, but in his opinion, she won't be able to do so again.

 

[BobK]

:up: Think of the expression's origin in old muzzle-loading fire-arms. Having loaded his weapon, the user had to fill a pan with gunpowder, which when lit exploded and - ideally - lit the main charge in the gun barrel. If it didn't, you just got 'a flash in the pan' - noise, and a flash, not achieving very much.

b