flash in the pan
Meaning: A temporary or passing fancy; a fad or attraction that will fade quickly.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Food & Drink
Origin: The expression comes from an old type of weapon, the flintlock musket. In these muskets, gunpowder was first ignited in a small depression or pan; this powder was supposed to cause the charge in the musket to explode. But sometimes the powder just burned harmlessly, giving off a flash but nothing more.
More idioms — Food & Drink
- forbidden fruit — Something that one cannot have.
- give someone a taste of his or her own medicine — To treat someone the same way they treat others (especially when they are strict, unfair,…
- go to pot — To fall into disrepair; to deteriorate from lack of attention.
- good egg — A person who is basically good or sound, but who may be slightly peculiar or idiosyncrati…
- gravy train — An effortless time or job; a life of luxury.
- junk food — Food that is relatively unhealthy, high in sugar and fat and lacking in vitamins, mineral…
More English idioms
- not know beans about something — To know very little about something; to speak without authority on some topic.
- 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 of the frying pan and into the fire — From a bad situation to one that is even worse.
- out to lunch — Absent-minded, unaware or confused (sentence 1); ignorant on some topic (sentence 2); har…
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