flash in the pan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'flash in the pan' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is short-lived in success or excitement. For example, "The movie was a flash in the pan at the box office, quickly disappearing from theaters after its opening weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

This is no flash in the pan.

Independent

"I'm not a flash in the pan".

The New York Times

A mere flash in the pan?

The Times

This was no flash in the pan.

The Guardian - Opinion

A flash in the pan, you said.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Is this technology a flash in the pan?

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

These flash-in-the-pan episodes have long been evident in the entertainment universe.

The New York Times

"Why hitch your wagon to these flash-in-the-pan companies?" Mr. Romalewski said.

The New York Times

It is an odd mixture of flash-in-the-pan and stayer.

Independent

Secret's trajectory illustrates the flash-in-the-pan nature of Silicon Valley's current technology boom.

The New York Times - Tech

One perfect gift was more meaningful than a litany of flash-in-the-pan plastic toys.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, contrast an item's initial success with its later failure. For instance, "The app seemed revolutionary at first, but it proved to be just another 'flash in the pan'."

Common error

Avoid using "flash in the pan" to describe long-term failures or situations that never showed initial promise. The idiom is most effective when highlighting a contrast between initial success and subsequent decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flash in the pan" functions as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative or a complement. It's used to characterize something as initially promising but ultimately failing to deliver sustained success. Ludwig examples show its deployment in media and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "flash in the pan" is a common and correct English phrase used to describe something that shows initial promise but quickly fades or fails. According to Ludwig, it is employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. Its primary function is evaluative, expressing skepticism about the long-term viability of something. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to use it appropriately to highlight the contrast between initial success and subsequent decline, as detailed in the writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nine-day wonder

This alternative specifically emphasizes the temporary nature of something that causes a lot of excitement.

here today, gone tomorrow

Focuses on the fleeting existence of something, highlighting its impermanence.

short-lived success

Directly indicates that the success was not sustained over time.

brief moment of glory

Emphasizes the positive aspect of the brief success or attention.

temporary phenomenon

Highlights the transient nature of the event or thing.

shooting star

Suggests a rapid rise and fall, similar to a "flash in the pan".

one-hit wonder

Specifically refers to someone or something successful only once.

昙花一现 (tánhuā yīxiàn)

This Chinese idiom, meaning "epiphyllum blooming", describes something that is beautiful but appears only briefly.

fly-by-night

Implies something unreliable or untrustworthy that disappears quickly.

passing fad

Indicates that something is popular for a short time but then fades away.

FAQs

What does the idiom "flash in the pan" mean?

The idiom "flash in the pan" refers to something or someone that shows initial promise or achieves brief success but ultimately fails to live up to expectations or sustain its momentum.

How can I use "flash in the pan" in a sentence?

You can use "flash in the pan" to describe various situations. For example, "Many predicted the startup would revolutionize the industry, but it turned out to be just a "flash in the pan"".

What are some alternatives to "flash in the pan"?

Alternatives to "flash in the pan" include "nine-day wonder", "short-lived success", or "here today, gone tomorrow". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always negative to be called a "flash in the pan"?

Yes, the term "flash in the pan" is generally negative. It suggests that initial excitement or success was misleading and that the person or thing will not have lasting impact or value.