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And, where did the expression come from?
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2006-10-16 13:19:32 · 5 answers · asked by Rockvillerich 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Trivia
A flash in the pan is like a one hit wonder. Someone shows great potential and awes the world with an achievement, and then is gone with no lasting legacy.
It comes from the 1810 reference to the flintlock rifle. A "flash in the pan" was when the powder burned and made a big flash, but it had no effect and the rifle did not fire.(OED)
2006-10-16 13:27:40 · answer #1 · answered by True Blue 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe the expression comes from the days of the gold rush when they panned for gold. Sometimes they would see a bright flash and think it was gold only to find that it was fool's gold. Just a flash in the pan.
2006-10-16 20:27:24 · answer #2 · answered by werbmom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A transient happening which results in no long-term effect. From a type of misfire of a flintlock gun; OED cites its usage to 1810: "Flash in the pan, an explosion of gunpowder without any communication beyond the touch-hole."
2006-10-17 08:09:42 · answer #3 · answered by Lynn Rosemary 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a short-lived excitement. It comes from gunpowder, somehow.
2006-10-16 21:39:20 · answer #4 · answered by ysk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In baseball, the player is great for a day or a week, but thats it. they suck from that moment on.
2006-10-16 20:38:46 · answer #5 · answered by Brooklyn Born Fella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋