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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 Consider if the APYs the bank offers are consistently competitive, or just a flash in the pan. Becca Stanek, theweek, 31 July 2024 These few centuries have been a flash in the pan: No ancient culture segregated science from the humanities. Shadi Bartsch-Zimmer, The Mercury News, 13 July 2024 For governments, as well as businesses and households, the hope is that the new dynamism doesn’t prove to be a flash in the pan. Eva Roytburg, Fortune Europe, 10 June 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 16 Nov. 2024.

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