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You are here: Home / Language / What Does the Expression “Flash in the Pan” Mean and Where Did the Phrase Originate?

What Does the Expression “Flash in the Pan” Mean and Where Did the Phrase Originate?

July 15, 2020 by Karen Hill

On a pioneer flintlock rifle the hammer struck a flint to create a spark that ignited a small amount of priming powder in what was called the pan.

This ignition then set off the main charge of gunpowder, causing a small explosion that fired the bullet through the barrel.

When the powder in the pan didn’t ignite properly it created a flash, but the rifle wouldn’t fire.

It looked good, but it was only a “flash in the pan.”

Someone who doesn’t live up to expectations is called a “flash in the pan”.

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Filed Under: Language

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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