flash in the pan

noun phrase

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

Examples of flash in the pan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recently Osama bin Laden and musical flash in the pan Rebecca Black shared this rare honor (and she was gone by July). IEEE Spectrum, 31 Aug. 2011 It was driven by costs climbing at Disney's domestic parks as well as a lack of attendance growth and this wasn't a flash in the pan. Caroline Reid, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 For now, the Yankees need to perceive his one great year as a flash in the pan and proceed cautiously. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 Finally, there’s Chema and Silvi, whom everyone, especially Gerardo, for some reason, seems to regard as a flash in the pan. Laura Bradley, Vulture, 2 Aug. 2024 Though covetous of certain products, trends surrounding brands are often a flash in the pan, according to Casey Lewis, Gen Z consumer analyst and author of the viral After School newsletter. Bysasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2024 Since its introduction in 1994, Sony PlayStation has had a revolving door of mascots that have mostly come and gone like a generational flash in the pan. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2024 Whether these new shows will be the beginning of something greater, or just a flash in the pan, only time will tell. Greg Engle, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 Will the camo hat be more than a folksy flash in the pan? Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from the firing of the priming in the pan of a flintlock musket without discharging the piece

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flash in the pan was in 1706

Dictionary Entries Near flash in the pan

Cite this Entry

“Flash in the pan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash%20in%20the%20pan. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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