FLASH IN THE PAN


Meaning of FLASH IN THE PAN in English

Etymology: from the firing of the priming in the pan of a flintlock musket without discharging the piece

Date: 1706

1 : a sudden spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing

2 : one that appears promising but turns out to be disappointing or worthless

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.