Flash in the pan

Meaning

The idiom "flash in the pan" means something that is successful or popular for a short period of time but then fades away quickly. It can also refer to a quick, brief moment of attention or success in any area of life, such as business, sports, or entertainment.

Usage

• The new restaurant on Main Street was a flash in the pan and closed down just six months after opening.
• His fame as a musician lasted only a few years before his latest album failed to chart.
• She had a brief but successful career in Hollywood before retiring early.
• The hype around the new virtual reality game died down quickly after its initial release.
• The stock market experienced a flash in the pan when it crashed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roots and History

The idiom "flash in the pan" dates back to the 19th century and is believed to have originated from the practice of mining for gold. When a mine strikes rich veins, it produces a flash of light before quickly fading away. This is similar to how a person or thing might experience brief success but then disappear just as quickly. Over time, the idiom has been applied to various fields and situations.

Synonyms in English

• Rise and fall
• Brief moment of fame
• Momentary success
• Short-lived victory
• One-hit wonder

Synonyms in other languages

• Chanson d'amour - French (a short, popular song that lasts only a few weeks)
• Flashbulb moment - German (a sudden and intense memory of a significant event that fades away quickly)
• Shtick - Yiddish (a brief and attention-grabbing act or performance)
• Viraag - Hindi (an intense feeling of longing or separation that lasts only a short time)
• Tantivy - Irish (a wild party or celebration that ends just as suddenly as it began)

Similar Idioms

• scared to death

• set in ways

• faint of heart