Question

in_the_loop_219 a temporary or passing fancy; a fad or attraction that will fade quickly The expression comes from an old type of weapon, the flintlock musket. In these muskets, gunpowder was first ignited in a small depression or pan; this powder was supposed to cause the charge in the musket to explode. But sometimes the powder just burned harmlessly, giving off a flash but nothing more.

Accepted Answer

FLASH IN THE PAN I know he’s been acclaimed as the best new playwright in the country, but I think he’s just a flash in the pan. No one will know who he is by next year.Short skirts are in fashion again, but I hope they’re just a flash in the pan. I would hate to have to start wearing them again.

Id	in_the_loop_219
Idiom	FLASH IN THE PAN
Definition	a temporary or passing fancy; a fad or attraction that will fade quickly
Examples	I know he’s been acclaimed as the best new playwright in the country, but I think he’s just a flash in the pan. No one will know who he is by next year. Short skirts are in fashion again, but I hope they’re just a flash in the pan. I would hate to have to start wearing them again.
Extra Info	The expression comes from an old type of weapon, the flintlock musket. In these muskets, gunpowder was first ignited in a small depression or pan; this powder was supposed to cause the charge in the musket to explode. But sometimes the powder just burned harmlessly, giving off a flash but nothing more.

Flash I Pan He’s Powder Loop Temporary Passing