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Dear teachers,
Would you tell me whether I am right with my interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentence?
Of course it’s only a flash in the pan. .. She’ll never write anything else. (Maugham’s “Complete Short Stories”)
a flash in the pan = an unsuccessful attempt
Thank you for your efforts.
Regards,
V
No, a flash in the pan is a one-off success, a short-lived success. But success! Bright for a moment, then gone.
He is saying she has written something good, but in his opinion, she won't be able to do so again.
:up: Think of the expression's origin in old muzzle-loading fire-arms. Having loaded his weapon, the user had to fill a pan with gunpowder, which when lit exploded and - ideally - lit the main charge in the gun barrel. If it didn't, you just got 'a flash in the pan' - noise, and a flash, not achieving very much.
b