What does “Flash in the pan” mean?
"Flash in the pan" means something that shows initial promise or success but quickly fades or fails.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The new restaurant was a flash in the pan - it was popular for a week and then went out of business.
Example
The singer had a hit song, but she turned out to be just a flash in the pan and never had another successful record.
Example
The team had a great start to the season, but their success was just a flash in the pan and they ended up finishing last
Is “Flash in the pan” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Flash in the pan” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Flash in the pan” effectively in context?
You can use "Flash in the Pan" to describe something or someone that initially appears successful or promising but ultimately fails to live up to expectations. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this idiom effectively:
- 1Business
The new restaurant was a flash in the pan - it was popular for a week and then went out of business.
- 2Entertainment
The singer had a hit song, but she turned out to be just a flash in the pan and never had another successful record.
- 3Sports
The team had a great start to the season, but their success was just a flash in the pan and they ended up finishing last.
Similar phrases to “Flash in the pan”:
One-hit wonder
A person or thing that achieves great success or popularity only once
Example
He had one hit song in the 80s, but he's considered a one-hit wonder.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Flash in the pan” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Flash in the Pan" dates back to the 17th century. A 'flash in the pan' referred to a flintlock musket that produced a flash of light in the pan but failed to ignite the gunpowder in the barrel, resulting in a misfire. The phrase was later used metaphorically to describe something that shows initial promise or success but quickly fades or fails.
Is “Flash in the pan” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Flash in the Pan" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations or people that initially show promise but fail to deliver in the long run.
What tone does “Flash in the pan” have?
"Flash in the Pan" conveys a tone of disappointment or skepticism. It suggests that something or someone may have appeared impressive at first, but ultimately fell short of expectations.
Can “Flash in the pan” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "flash in the pan" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common phenomenon. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal contexts such as presentations or written reports.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The team's early victories were just a "flash in the pan".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That restaurant was a "flash in the pan"!' to imply its short-lived success.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- ephemeral success
- short-lived triumph
- momentary achievement
- temporary victory
- initial promise
Antonyms
- long-lasting success
- enduring achievement
- consistent triumph
- sustained victory
- lasting promise
