FLASH IN THE PAN

1. A Project, person etc that enjoys only short lived success.
2. Something which disappoints by failing to deliver anything of value, despite a showy beginning
Origin
This originally had a literal meaning, i.e. a real flash in a real pan. Muskets used to have small pans to hold the gunpowder charge. An attempt to fire the musket in which the gunpowder flared up without firing a bullet would be called a 'flash in the pan'.
origin, The term is known since the late 17th century. Elkanah Settle, in Reflections on several of Mr. Dryden's plays 1687, had this to say:

"although the group had a number one hit, it was only a one hit wonder making them a flash in the pan."

"If Cannons were so well bred in his Metaphor as only to flash in the Pan, I dare lay an even wager that Mr. Dryden durst venture to Sea."

by johnny english2 January 23, 2007

flashbung

The the past-tense term used in the situation of being hit with a flashbang grenade.

'woah, i totally just flashbung that guy.'

by arbok November 27, 2009

Flash rape

To be photographed without consent and having been blinded by the flash of the camera. To be left feeling disorientated and confused; like a rabbit in caught in headlights.

When I went to my friends wedding the other day I got flash raped by the photographer. Who knows what they are doing with my picture right now?

by PhilmyBush May 22, 2010

Flash poopy

When you leave your house feeling fine and you get to your destination, but all of a sudden you need to defecate (poo)... now.

Much like a Flash flood, except coming from the sphincter, and not the rain.

Martha: "I had a really great date, do you want to come inside? ;)"
Gunther: "Sorry Martha, I just got a crazy flash poopy going on here. Raincheck?"

by keendiggz August 11, 2010

Flash Washer

A Flash Washer is someone in your office that briefly runs their hands (sometimes just fingers) under the water after using the restroom. Basically stating that their restroom activity did not warrant a soap and warm water hand washing.

I'm not eating anything that Donna brings to the pot luck on Thursday, she's a Flash Washer.

by GorgeousPC August 24, 2013

grammar flash

The point of time where you feel like correcting people grammar just to make yourself look smart.

Person 1: Your being annoying.
Person 2: It's actually you're.
Person 1: Thanks for the grammar flash, asshole.

by ldizzle2012 February 20, 2011

Sandusky Flashback

A painful memory of a childhood raping.

Mr McKenna had a Sandusky Flashback as he watched the local high school football game.

by DPgumby May 1, 2012