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A flash in the pan

A flash in the pan

Meaning

Something that fails to deliver long-term benefit after an initial success.

Examples

Ricky Valance was a one-hit wonder. Pretty much a flash in the pan you might say.

Where did it originate?

The United Kingdom – 17th century.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
A flash in the pan

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