flash in the pan
Definitions from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From the days of flintlock firearms, where the main charge was intended to be fired by a small charge of gunpowder in the priming pan. If the resultant fire did not pass through the touch-hole and ignite the main charge, it produced noise and smoke, but no substantial effect, and was termed a “flash in the pan”.
[edit] Noun
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Plural |
flash in the pan (plural flashes in the pan)
- (idiomatic) A transient occurrence with no long-term effect.
- The concept turned out to be merely a flash in the pan, and is no longer used.
- (idiomatic) A career notable for early success not followed by significant accomplishment.
- He was named best new director of 1940, but his career was a flash in the pan.
- For examples of the usage of this word see the citations page.
