2006-06-29 21:13:30 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Other - Social Science
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/flash_in_the_pan
2006-06-29 21:18:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The "pan" is part of the firing mechanism of a flintlock rifle or pistol(think "Davy Crockett) where the gunpowder sits before the piece is discharged. When the trigger is pulled, the "hammer" (looks like a 2 with a set of jaws sticking out of the back curve with a small hunk of flint wedged in the jaws)snaps forward to smack a small piece of metal called the stiker, creating a spark which ignites the powder, thereby setting off the "flash in the pan" A small, short spark which may or may not set off something with possibilities of ...well, anything
2006-06-29 21:33:32 · answer #2 · answered by Dutch58 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it comes from the old muskets. The gunpowder was kept in a tiny pan on the musket and a fuse was used to light it. The gunpowder would explode, forcing the bullet to fire. Sometimes the powder would explode and nothing would happen. It was just a "flash in the pan."
2006-06-29 21:20:39 · answer #3 · answered by jasoneheath 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"A flash in a pan" means that one's success comes suddenly and ends rather quickly. Like a flash of fire in a pan, it comes and goes in a flash.
2006-06-29 21:25:23 · answer #4 · answered by smiles 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Flash in the pan" = like a quick fire?
Or, "Flash in the past" = Old memories?
2006-06-29 21:20:05 · answer #5 · answered by elliebear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it means something or someone that may have been impressive at first sight,but never amounted to anything,it comes from the days of flintlock guns,when the gunpowder in the ingnition pan would flare up,but the gun would not fire.look this up at reference.com or wikipedia.
2006-06-29 21:20:10 · answer #6 · answered by swamp angel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh thats easy. it means go to the store and get me a roll of toilet paper some ciggerettes a six pack of beer and some toothpaste and while your at it could you take the trash out and dont be out thier grab assin if i find out you been out thier being uppity im gone beat u in ya *** and dont give me no back talk
2006-06-29 21:17:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something that is over very quickly.
Eg Like a fashion trend
2006-06-29 21:16:42 · answer #8 · answered by Ed W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something/someone that is popular or"in" for a small amount of time.
2006-06-29 21:16:21 · answer #9 · answered by erin is a tank! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋