What is the idiom for flash in the pan?

What is the idiom for flash in the pan?

phrase. If you describe an achievement or success as a flash in the pan, you mean that it is unlikely to be repeated and is not an indication of future achievements or success. [disapproval] People are waiting to see if our success has just been a flash in the pan.

Where did the expression a flash in the pan come from?

The term ‘flash in the pan’ originated sometime during the late 17th century, when flintlock muskets were used. An attempt to fire a musket that resulted in gunpowder flaring up but no ball firing was referred to as a flash in the pan.

What does no flash in the pan mean?

1 : a sudden spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing. 2 : one that appears promising but turns out to be disappointing or worthless.

How do you use a flash in the pan in a sentence?

Example Sentences

1. His initial good performances were a mere flash in the pan.
2. The success of his second book turned out to be a flash in the pan.
3. This new wave of entrepreneurship is not just a flash in the pan.
4. He showed great promise during his first few games, but it turned out to be a flash in the pan.

What does fly in the face mean?

Fly in the face of means to directly challenge something or act in defiance of something, as in His bold behavior flies in the face of everything we expect from a vice president.

What is mean by and large?

: on the whole : in general.

How do you use the word foothold in a sentence?

Foothold sentence example

1. With another look down, she found her first foothold along the side of the cave and began to climb.
2. The only foothold retained by the English on French ground was Calais.
3. All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.

How do you use on the spur of the moment in a sentence?

On the spur of the moment he picked up the phone and dialed Cece Baldwin, a number he now had committed to memory from the many unsuccessful times he’d made the call. On the spur of the moment he telephoned her. We all do something on the spur of the moment once in awhile.

What does 5 fingers to the nose mean?

The general understanding of what’s meant by ‘cock a snook’ is the spread hand with thumb on the nose, preferably with crossed eyes, waggling fingers and any other annoying gesticulation that comes to mind at the time. It’s what the Americans call ‘the five-fingered salute’.

What does haul over the coals mean?

to speak angrily to someone because they have done something you disapprove of: He was hauled over the coals for coming in late for work.

What is the meaning of all ears?

Eager to hear something, listening attentively, as in Tell me who else was invited? I’m all ears. [Colloquial; late 1700s] Also see all eyes.

What is the meaning of flash in the Pan?

Definition of flash in the pan. 1 : a sudden spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing. 2 : one that appears promising but turns out to be disappointing or worthless.

What is a flash in the Pan in a musket?

Flintlock muskets used to have small pans to hold charges of gunpowder. An attempt to fire the musket in which the gunpowder flared up without a bullet being fired was a ‘flash in the pan’. The term has been known since the late 17th century.

What is the origin of the expression ‘light in the Pan’?

Hers is no flash-in-the-pan talent, but a major and mature new voice. Note: This expression has its origins in the way that an old-fashioned gun worked. Pulling the trigger produced a spark which set light to a small amount of gunpowder held in the `pan’. This in turn lit the rest of the gunpowder.

Is downing a flash in the Pan Alan Moore?

Downing has come in for considerable stick from the crowd and on the moan-ins and message boards in recent weeks, accused of being a Big Time Charlie, a flash in the pan Alan Moore figure who peaked too early and of lacking passion and commitment. “I felt that two-bagger was a flash in the pan ,” recounted Waddell.