Flash in the Pan
I thought flash in the pan originated with gold mining.
If a miner saw glitter in his pan, he became excited. Rather than gold, what he often saw was only a flash in the pan.
I was wrong.
According to The Phrase Finder, flash in the pan originated with flintlock muskets that had small pans for gunpowder. When gunpowder flared but no bullet fired, it was called a flash in the pan.
The expression, “hang fire,” has a similar origin.
Flash in the pan refers to a promise of success that fails.
- Authors write only one bestseller.
- Musicians record one hit but no others.
- Actors star in only one major movie or play.
- Athletes lose their positions after a brief career.
- Businesses boom and then go bankrupt.
They make a splash, but their success does not last.
Doing our best beats trying to impress.
Let’s use our abilities, great or small, to make the world a better place. Now, that’s success!
“May the God of peace … equip you with everything good for doing his will” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).
Thanks to Frank Cheatham for the flash in the pan suggestion and to Brad Leverett for hang fire. Image by Alexander Lesnitsky from Pixabay.
Do you have an expression you want explained or thoughts about this one? If so, please comment below.
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UPDATE: Thanks to Warren Johnson who noticed that the pistol in my photo is a percussion pistol, not a flintlock. See his comments below for more interesting details about his flintlock rifle pictured here.
13 thoughts on “Flash in the Pan”
I didn’t know the origin of this phrase until you explained it here, Diana. It’s a good one. Hoping you have an amazingly blessed New Year!
Writing on this phrase was a learning experience for me too, Martha. Thank you. Happy New Year to you and yours!
You always have the most interesting information. 🙂 How about the phrase “lie like a rug”? Have a blessed week! Happy New Year!
That’s a great suggestion, Melissa! I’ve heard it all my life. Thank you for the idea and for your kind words. Happy New Year to you and yours!
I didn’t know either of these possible explanations for this phrase. So interesting!
Tracy, I delayed writing on this phrase but learned so much in the process. Happy New Year to you and Stan!
The pistol in your photo is not a flintlock. It’s a percussion pistol. Two different forms of black powder ignition. If you want a photo of one, please email me and I’ll send you a pic of mine.
Thank you for the correction, Warren. I appreciate the message to share more detail and a correct photo.
Notice the pan has a frizzen covering which is leaned forward here. When powder is placed in the pan the frizzed is lowered as the cock is placed in half cock. At full
Cock the rifle will fire when the trigger is activated. The flint in the
Cock strikes the steel frizzen and a shower of sparks drops into the pan, causing an explosion. It’s the heat from that explosion that enters the touch hole leading to the main charge. Bang! And lots of smoke both in front of your face and out the barrel!
Sorry, I cannot figure how to post a picture of my flintlock.
Thank you, Warren. I have included your photo in the blog update above. Happy New Year!
Thank you for including the detail I sent. Happy New Year!
What an interesting post, Diana, and I’m not surprised that Warren is knowledgeable in this area. It’s “right up his alley.” Thank you both.
Thank you, Katherine. Warren’s information was definitely helpful!