Meaning: A sudden but short-lived success that is not repeated.
Hindi: क्षणिक सफलता जो टिकती नहीं
Synonyms: one-hit wonder, short-lived success
Antonyms: lasting success, enduring achievement
Asked in: SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level) · SSC CGL 2025 T-1 · SSC GD 2022 T-1
flash in the pan in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CGL 2025 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of idiom:
Flash in the panAnswer & explanation
Answer: B) A sudden success that fails to last
- 'Flash in the pan' refers to something that shows promise initially but fails to produce lasting results.
- Meaning: A sudden success that fails to last. - SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level) Idioms & Phrases
In the following sentence, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which gives the correct meaning of the underlined idiom or phrase.
The artist’s sudden fame proved to be a flash in the pan as his second gallery was a total failure.Answer & explanation
Answer: A) A sudden but very brief success period
Meaning: a flash in the pan = a sudden success that does not last and is not repeated *(क्षणिक सफलता)*.
His first fame did not last — the second gallery failed.
Origin.
In old flintlock muskets, gunpowder in a small pan was lit to fire the gun. Sometimes it flashed brightly but the main charge failed — a big flash, and no shot.
Why the others are wrong.
#B A permanent change in a person's life *(जीवन में स्थायी बदलाव)* — the opposite; the idiom stresses how *brief* it was. A life-changing event is *a turning point*.
#B A dangerous fire in a kitchen area *(रसोई में खतरनाक आग)* — a literal reading of *pan* and *flash*.
#B A very bright light in a dark room *(अँधेरे कमरे में तेज़ रोशनी)* — ag
Examples
- “His victory turned out to be just a flash in the pan.”
flash in the pan – questions
What is the meaning of flash in the pan in Hindi?
flash in the pan means “क्षणिक सफलता जो टिकती नहीं” in Hindi. In English: A sudden but short-lived success that is not repeated.
What are the synonyms of flash in the pan?
Synonyms of flash in the pan: one-hit wonder, short-lived success.
What is the opposite of flash in the pan?
Antonyms of flash in the pan: lasting success, enduring achievement.
Has flash in the pan been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – flash in the pan has been asked 3 times in SSC exams: SSC Selection Post Ph-14 2026 (Higher Secondary Level), SSC CGL 2025 T-1, SSC GD 2022 T-1.