flash in the pan
noun phrase
1
: a sudden spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing
2
: one that appears promising but turns out to be disappointing or worthless
Examples of flash in the pan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This European surge isn't just a flash in the pan.
—
Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
And yet, this is no flash in the pan.
—Nick Hendry, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2025
Whether the improved results were a flash in the pan or are sustainable remains to be seen.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
Some of the biggest eyebrow-raisers, especially at quarterback, become time capsules, depicting a flash in the pan or an outlier season.
—Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 31 July 2025
But while many are just a flash in the pan, the fervor for these unusual flats-meet-trainers remains at a high.
—Aemilia Madden, Glamour, 30 July 2025
Viewed in that light, Harris’ advisors would best serve her by convincing her that Echelon’s poll is a flash in the pan, not a sign of genuine desire for her return to the presidential conversation.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 18 July 2025
These women are proving that reality TV fame doesn’t have to be a flash in the pan.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 2 July 2025
In our minds, the relative stability of cybersecurity stocks amid market turbulence is part of a broader, long-term trend rather than a flash in the pan.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 18 June 2025
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Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
And yet, this is no flash in the pan.
—Nick Hendry, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2025
Whether the improved results were a flash in the pan or are sustainable remains to be seen.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
Some of the biggest eyebrow-raisers, especially at quarterback, become time capsules, depicting a flash in the pan or an outlier season.
—Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 31 July 2025
But while many are just a flash in the pan, the fervor for these unusual flats-meet-trainers remains at a high.
—Aemilia Madden, Glamour, 30 July 2025
Viewed in that light, Harris’ advisors would best serve her by convincing her that Echelon’s poll is a flash in the pan, not a sign of genuine desire for her return to the presidential conversation.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 18 July 2025
These women are proving that reality TV fame doesn’t have to be a flash in the pan.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 2 July 2025
In our minds, the relative stability of cybersecurity stocks amid market turbulence is part of a broader, long-term trend rather than a flash in the pan.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flash in the pan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash%20in%20the%20pan. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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