IdiomFood & Drink
English
Englishflash in the pan
Meaning: A temporary or passing fancy; a fad or attraction that will fade quickly.
Example: “Critics called the young singer a flash in the pan, but she's still selling out arenas.”
Origin: From flintlock guns, used from the 17th century. The flint lit a little powder in a small pan, which should ignite the main charge; when it did not, there was just a flash in the pan and no shot. The figurative sense of a brief success that comes to nothing dates from the 18th century.
More English idioms
- lay an egg To do something embarrassing.
- not one's cup of tea Not to suit someone; not to one's liking.
- not worth a hill of beans Worthless.
- out to lunch Absent-minded, confused or out of touch with reality.
- pie in the sky Something that is unrealistic or that cannot be achieved.
- a piece of cake Something that is easy to do.
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