Find the word definition

Crossword clues for flash in the pan

The Collaborative International Dictionary
flash in the pan

Flash \Flash\ (fl[a^]sh), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Flashed (fl[a^]sht); p. pr. & vb. n. Flashing.] [Cf. OE. flaskien, vlaskien to pour, sprinkle, dial. Sw. flasa to blaze, E. flush, flare.]

  1. To burst or break forth with a sudden and transient flood of flame and light; as, the lighting flashes vividly; the powder flashed.

  2. To break forth, as a sudden flood of light; to burst instantly and brightly on the sight; to show a momentary brilliancy; to come or pass like a flash.

    Names which have flashed and thundered as the watch words of unnumbered struggles.
    --Talfourd.

    The object is made to flash upon the eye of the mind.
    --M. Arnold.

    A thought flashed through me, which I clothed in act.
    --Tennyson.

  3. To burst forth like a sudden flame; to break out violently; to rush hastily.

    Every hour He flashes into one gross crime or other.
    --Shak.

    flash in the pan, a failure or a poor performance, especially after a normal or auspicious start; also, a person whose initial performance appears augur success but who fails to achieve anything notable. From 4th pan, n., sense 3 -- part of a flintlock. Occasionally, the powder in the pan of a flintlock would flash without conveying the fire to the charge, and the ball would fail to be discharged. Thus, a good or even spectacular beginning that eventually achieves little came to be called a flash in the pan.

    To flash in the pan, to fail of success, especially after a normal or auspicious start. [Colloq.] See under Flash, a burst of light.
    --Bartlett.

    Syn: Flash, Glitter, Gleam, Glisten, Glister.

    Usage: Flash differs from glitter and gleam, denoting a flood or wide extent of light. The latter words may express the issuing of light from a small object, or from a pencil of rays. Flash differs from other words, also, in denoting suddenness of appearance and disappearance. Flashing differs from exploding or disploding in not being accompanied with a loud report. To glisten, or glister, is to shine with a soft and fitful luster, as eyes suffused with tears, or flowers wet with dew.

Wiktionary
flash in the pan

n. 1 (context idiomatic English) A transient occurrence with no long-term effect. 2 (context idiomatic English) A career notable for early success not followed by significant accomplishment.

WordNet
flash in the pan

n. someone who enjoys transient success but then fails

Usage examples of "flash in the pan".

Get the respect of the people, so you won't be just another flash in the pan.

One man with powder burns of the face from a flash in the pan of his musket - Baker.