flash in the pan
The phrase "flash in the pan" originates from flintlock muskets, where the gunpowder in the lock-pan would ignite but fail to set off the main charge, resulting in no real effect.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(informal)A brief moment of success or excitement that does not last.
Example
- His viral video was just a flash in the pan; he couldn't replicate its success.
- The product launch was impressive, but it turned out to be a flash in the pan.
B2Career
(informal)An initial achievement in one's career that is not followed by continued success.
Example
- Her debut novel was a bestseller, but it was just a flash in the pan.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "flash in the pan":
flash overflash cutone-hit wonderblue flashdouble flashflash packflash for cashquick as a flashflame outflare uphot minuteflake out