A flash in the pan
phrase
Something or someone that is very popular for a short time, then forgotten.
Her music career turned out to be just a flash in the pan.
Often appears as...
- turn out to be a flash in the pan
- proved to be a flash in the pan
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
In mining, an early encouraging result from an undertaking that later fails to live up to its promises.
The first drill seemed promising, but it was just a flash in the pan.
Often appears as...
- first drill was a flash in the pan
- seemed promising but was a flash in the pan
Usage tips
Technical
phrase
A brief, unsuccessful effort or promise of success.
His campaign was a flash in the pan and ended quickly.
Often appears as...
- campaign was a flash in the pan
- his career was a flash in the pan
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Something or someone that is very popular for a short time, then forgotten.
Her music career turned out to be just a flash in the pan.
Often appears as...
- turn out to be a flash in the pan
- proved to be a flash in the pan
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
In mining, an early encouraging result from an undertaking that later fails to live up to its promises.
The first drill seemed promising, but it was just a flash in the pan.
Often appears as...
- first drill was a flash in the pan
- seemed promising but was a flash in the pan
Usage tips
Technical
phrase
A brief, unsuccessful effort or promise of success.
His campaign was a flash in the pan and ended quickly.
Often appears as...
- campaign was a flash in the pan
- his career was a flash in the pan
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Temporary hype
Use it to describe something that gets a lot of attention quickly but fades away just as fast.
The new app was a flash in the pan; everyone forgot about it within weeks.
Pro Tip 2/3Pop culture reference
Often applies to trends or celebrities that briefly capture public interest.
That viral dance was a flash in the pan; nobody does it anymore.
Pro Tip 3/3Not negative
The phrase is neutral; it doesn't blame the person or thing for not lasting.
His witty quotes were a flash in the pan, memorable but short-lived.
Pro Tip 1/3Temporary hype
Use it to describe something that gets a lot of attention quickly but fades away just as fast.
The new app was a flash in the pan; everyone forgot about it within weeks.
Pro Tip 2/3Pop culture reference
Often applies to trends or celebrities that briefly capture public interest.
That viral dance was a flash in the pan; nobody does it anymore.
Pro Tip 3/3Not negative
The phrase is neutral; it doesn't blame the person or thing for not lasting.
His witty quotes were a flash in the pan, memorable but short-lived.
Pro Tip 1/3Temporary hype
Use it to describe something that gets a lot of attention quickly but fades away just as fast.
The new app was a flash in the pan; everyone forgot about it within weeks.
Pro Tip 2/3Pop culture reference
Often applies to trends or celebrities that briefly capture public interest.
That viral dance was a flash in the pan; nobody does it anymore.
Pro Tip 3/3Not negative
The phrase is neutral; it doesn't blame the person or thing for not lasting.
His witty quotes were a flash in the pan, memorable but short-lived.
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