Click below to listen to the phrase.
Choose the correct definition a, b or c.
a) a disappearing act
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b) an event that only happens once
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’a flash in the pan’ is something that happens only once, or for a short time and will not be repeated.
French translation
un feu de paille
How NOT to translate : *un éclair dans la casserole
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Examples in context
‘Commercial vehicles growth not a flash in the pan
New Delhi : From declining market share to financial losses, it has been downhill for Tata Motors Ltd in the last 2-3 years. The focus on cutting costs has led to block closures, single shifts and cuts on travel and hiring.
The situation worsened with the commercial vehicle (CV) division, its cash cow, getting affected. With the economy bottoming out, the CV division is now ready to meet demand and get back to profitability, Ravindra Pisharody, executive director (commercial vehicles), Tata Motors, said in an interview.
He said growth cycles for light, medium and heavy CVs are within sight.’
Livemint.com, 18th February 2015
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’2016 updates : Scott Walker ’punts’ on evolution
It has been just over 100 days since the 2014 US mid-term elections wrapped up with sweeping conservative victories.
Thirty-eight days ago, the new Republican Congress was sworn in, and two weeks later President Barack Obama addressed the body with his State of the Union address.
On Tuesday I wrote a piece about the Wisconsin governor and why his recent surge in polls conducted in influential early-voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire may signify more than just the usual flash-in-the-pan for little-known candidates.’
BBC News, 15th February 2015
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Everyday usage
At first, some of the major record labels thought rock ’n’ roll was just a flash in the pan.
It appears that sales of our new product are increasing rapidly. This trend is no flash in the pan.
c) food being cooked quickly
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