Flash in the pan

Meaning

A brief and disappointing success or occurrence.

Usage

Warning against putting too much stock in short lived success.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Muskets flashed without firing when the powder in the pan ignited but the shot failed.

Seventeenth century musket term adopted into everyday idiom.