Etymology: from the firing of the priming in the pan of a flintlock musket without discharging the piece Date: 1706 a sudden spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing, one that appears promising but turns out to be disappointing or worthless
FLASH IN THE PAN
Meaning of FLASH IN THE PAN in English
Merriam Webster. Explanatory English dictionary Merriam Webster. Толковый словарь английского языка Мерриам-Уэбстер. 2012