| 释义 |
verb flaʃflæʃ 1no object Shine in a bright but brief, sudden, or intermittent way. lightning flashed overhead an irritating neon sign flashed on and off Example sentencesExamples - The ship whisked into the night's sky, its bright lights flashing.
- A bright light flashed and everything went silent.
- A sudden burst of bright green light flashed behind the tree.
- Bright lights flashed in an array of colors, advertising everything from vehicles to burlesque houses.
- A white light flashed briefly before my eyes, and there were no other words to be said.
- Bright light flashed across our eyes as fire blew up everywhere.
- A distress beacon flashes over the snow-covered surroundings.
- Then she saw them dancing, red and blue lights flashing over the hardwood gym floor, her head on his shoulder.
- There were red and blue lights flashing over the house.
- Just as I started to dial, I noticed the red light flashing on the handset signaling I had a phone message.
- He squinted his eyes as cameras flashed in front of him.
- It was already crowded and pumping with Latin dance music, the bright lights flashing across the entire room.
- Immediately after stowing our goggles, a blinding bright light flashed in front of my windscreen.
- No fewer than nine police cars with flashing lights drove up, accompanied by a dozen, pistol - packing gorillas.
- She began to take a step off the ledge, but bright light flashed before her eyes.
- Squad cars with flashing lights move in slow arcs through the clinic parking lot.
- I looked up at the bright green neon sign flashing on and off, ‘Club Divine’ it read.
- I loved being there away from the fans and flashing cameras.
- Without warning, to his left, a bright light flashed at the edge of the woods, about thirty meters away.
- A shriek echoed around the hill as bright lights began to flash under the tree.
Synonyms light up, shine, flare, blaze, glare, beam, gleam, glint, sparkle, spark, burn, fluoresce blink, wink, flicker, shimmer, twinkle, glimmer, glisten, scintillate literary glister, coruscate, fulgurate, effulge - 1.1with object Cause to shine briefly or suddenly.
the oncoming car flashed its lights Example sentencesExamples - Cars and lorries were flashing their lights and beeping at me.
- He says he was driving his van towards the city centre when a car behind him started flashing its lights at him.
- I have repeatedly had cars flashing their lights at me or hooting their horns and giving very rude gestures.
- When she reversed into a parking space opposite the church, another car flashed its lights at her.
- He could already hear the sounds of patrolmen, calling out over the stretch of nothingness, flashing their lights every which way.
- A lorry driver stopped at Frankley Services after a car flashed its lights at him.
- The car behind me started flashing its lights, and turned on its siren.
- Mark turned and flashed the light to where Tina was standing.
- He flashed his light over it, and tried to make out what it was, but it was very old and torn.
- The panel began to flash a pulsing red light like the beat of a heart, and a loud alarm began sounding through out the building and the surrounding outdoors.
- Motorists could also draw attention to themselves by flashing their lights or sounding their horn to make people aware they are in difficulty.
- The Italians report when the vehicle was 33 feet away, a warning light was flashed, giving little time for them to react.
- The driver was alerted to on-coming cars flashing their lights at him.
- The car was flashing its lights and sounding the horn.
- Jak flashed the light around to see what was surrounding.
- Jack flashed the light down the tunnel and noticed that it curved too much to look all the way down it.
- She gently opened the door and flashed her light to see what lay ahead of her.
- We have had cars flash their lights and in the case of one van driver, sound his horn just because we were keeping within the speed limit.
- The police car flashed his lights briefly at a car that touched 90 or so, but that was about it.
- I drove on to the shrubs in the centre and flashed my hazard warning lights.
- 1.2with object Shine or show a light to send (a signal)
red lights started to flash a warning Example sentencesExamples - A heliograph was a communications system consisting of two mirrors on a tripod used to flash signals with sunlight.
- The automobile in front of them flashed a warning signal of red to tell of slowing, and he eased up on the gas as he headed further into the dark city.
- He waited until they were closer and then flashed the prearranged signal.
- He lit the lamp he carried, and flashed an agreed signal to the other three men waiting in one of the canoes a short distance away.
- James quickly glanced back at Higgins, flashing him a signal.
- They want to install a system which will flash a warning signal in the cab of the train if it passes through a red light.
- 1.3with object Give (a swift look)
Carrie flashed a glance in his direction with two objects she flashed him a withering look Example sentencesExamples - He flashed a stern look towards the nurse.
- James flashed an apologetic look, but Leanne felt sorry for him.
- Gwen flashed an angry look at her and went around her to the door, shutting it tightly behind her.
- He flashed an indecipherable look at me and opened the door.
- She flashed another look at the weapon; still her fear remained non-existent.
- Brown flashed a knowing look into the gallery, and a few people, for want of a better word, tittered.
- I flash a look at all the others that warns them not to help him.
- The man in front of her nodded his head and flashed a look of concern in her direction.
- Turning to look at me, she notices where my gaze had been and flashes a quick warning glare, as I quickly try and pull my eyes away, but obviously not quick enough.
- She flashes me a knowing glance and looks to be keeping track of them from the corner of her eyes.
- I flashed a look of gratitude at Noelle, and she nodded coolly.
- She flashed an evil look back at him.
- She flashed him a dangerous glance before looking away again.
- Coach flashed a look of disgust in our direction and walked up to me.
- His sister flashed a mischievous look at him.
- Jolene flashed a look at the gate and saw the guard back there again, staring blankly into space.
- She pushes men away while flashing a come-hither look.
- People flash coy looks at one another, hoping that they won't be asked to make the first move and speak about what they make of it all.
- Eric flashed a look between the two of them but didn't say anything.
- He flashed an apologetic look at Jonah and Sally, his face a mixture of guilt and fear.
- 1.4 (of a person's eyes) indicate sudden emotion, especially anger.
she glared at him, her eyes flashing Example sentencesExamples - His eyes flashed with anger for a moment, making Gwen step back unconsciously.
- ‘Get the hell away from me Corey - right now’ Hailey said, her eyes flashing with anger.
- My mother replied in a low voice through gritted teeth, her honey brown eyes flashing with anger.
- ‘Jordan isn't going to make me miserable,’ Faith argued, her eyes flashing with anger.
- Grace's eyes flashed, anger twisting her features into a snarl, ‘so he wants to play that way does he?’
- Jason's eyes flashed with anger, and I began to shrink inside myself.
- His eyes were flashing from humiliation, anger and probably pain.
- Her brow furrowed in confusion, but then her eyes flashed with anger again.
- She whirled on him, her brown eyes flashing with anger.
- His eyes flashed with anger behind his round gold framed glasses.
- Alan drew his shotgun, his eyes flashing with anger as he charged back towards the door to the stairway.
- When his eyes located her, cuddled into Adam's lap, Joe flew into a rage, his green eyes flashing in anger at his brother.
- His eyes were flashing with anger, but they softened.
- ‘You had no right to stare at me as you did, sir,’ she said bitterly, her eyes flashing in anger.
- His eyes were flashing with anger and his mouth was covered in blood.
- Darcy's face paled and her green eyes flashed with restrained emotion.
- For a second I thought he was going to hit me, his eyes were flashing with anger and impatience.
- Her head was up again and her eyes were flashing with anger.
- The crying woman's head jerked up, eyes flashing in momentary anger at my tone of voice.
- His eyes flashed with anger and he grabbed Willis' wrist and twisted it behind his back.
2no object, with adverbial of direction Move or pass very quickly. a look of terror flashed across Kirov's face figurative a sudden thought flashed through his mind Example sentencesExamples - Karl asked, a confused look flashing over his face again.
- Michael was so wrapped up in not letting her see the pain in his eyes that he didn't notice the pain that flashed quickly across her own features at his words.
- Not even the beautiful scenery flashing past the windows of the truck could distract his thoughts.
- A wince of pain flashing over her pale, clammy features told me she was slowly remembering.
- The goalkeeper didn't even move as the ball flashed past him, sending ripples down the back of the net.
- Within seconds of weighing up the overtaking space, the scenery is flashing past you at incredible speed.
- She turned her attention to the scenery flashing past her.
- As the van was speeding down the street, lamps overhanging above us flashed by quickly.
- The pedestrian light is red, the cars are flashing past.
- They flashed quickly past Marcy, and she had taken them in and interpreted them without knowing it.
- But anger flashed across her face when the cellular phone in her pocket rang.
- The time flashed by so quickly for the rest of the trip.
- For a moment, anger flashes across his face as he addresses this accusation.
- A look of amused surprise flashes over his face.
- As they step inside a look of realization flashes over Jason's face.
- There are the cool dudes flashing along the byways as if they were racing in the Tour de France.
- Eventually, I became aware that the streetlights were not flashing by as quickly as they had been.
- Thinking that he had angered me into an outburst, surprise flashed over his face at my abrupt change in attitude, before being quickly replaced with a cool, calm look.
- For an instant, sheer terror flashed across Lady Alison's face, then she composed herself and turned.
- The altimeter was counting down, the final couple of hundred feet flashing by too quickly.
Synonyms zoom, streak, tear, shoot, dash, dart, fly, whistle, hurtle, rush, hurry, bolt, race, bound, speed, career, charge, hare, whizz, whoosh, buzz informal scoot, skedaddle, belt, zap, zip, scorch British informal bomb, bucket, burn rubber, go like the clappers North American informal barrel, lay rubber - 2.1with object and adverbial of direction Send (news or information) swiftly by means of telegraphy or telecommunications.
the story was flashed around the world Example sentencesExamples - TV footage and stills of that scene were flashed around the world.
- This nonchalance is understandable: pictures of his pub are flashed around the world's televisions every time the river breaks its banks.
- The quote was diligently flashed around the world by wire agencies, including the Press Association.
- Images of the shooting - videotaped by TV crews covering the march - were flashed around the world.
- However, the whole incident was flashed around to other bases, telling everyone to behave themselves.
- Ninety years ago, there were no television pictures, radio broadcasts or Internet bulletins to flash the news around the globe in an instant.
- The system has the potential to allow vast amounts of information to be flashed across town and city rooftops in total security and without the need to dig up roads for laying cables.
- This news had earlier been flashed to the world via the BBC website.
- With the spread of the Internet, news and events are flashed all over the word in an instant.
- This era is also made unique by the speed with which sporting feats are flashed around the world.
3with object Display (information or an image) suddenly on a television or computer screen or electronic sign, typically briefly or repeatedly. the screen flashed up a menu Example sentencesExamples - The little screen was black again, quickly flashing how many minutes they talked.
- Her photograph was being flashed onto television screens last night in an effort to find her relatives.
- Throughout the show various statistics were flashed up on the screen which frankly seemed hard to believe.
- The television flashed a split screen picture of the two suspects.
- I saw a picture of him that was flashed on the screen at the time of his arrest.
- Electronic signs now flash the words SLOW DOWN at speeding vehicles just before the start of the roadworks to give motorists the chance to kill their speed.
- When his computer screen flashes the words ‘Wake up, Neo,’ much of the audience sat up in hopeful recognition.
- This information will be flashed on the digital display screen at the bus stop.
- The giant white screen flashed images of people in the streets mourning Corrie's death.
- The computerized system takes photographs of the cases, flashing their images on a screen.
- The screen's flashing different pictures at me all at once!
- Nick listened to the facts and then the news channel flashed a picture of Leigh across the screen.
- Their pictures will be flashed on television screens to help reunite them with their traveling companions.
- Mobile phones are bombarded with text messages and information is flashed on motorway signs.
- As he crossed the finishing line his image was flashed up on the large screens.
- Your computer screen is flashing an unwelcome message.
Synonyms display, show, present, set forth, unveil - 3.1no object (of information or an image) be displayed briefly or repeatedly on a screen.
the election results flashed on the screen Example sentencesExamples - As soon as the first image flashed up on the screen it would have been clear what site it was.
- As he addressed them, huge figures flashed up on an electronic scoreboard, detailing the jump in unemployment.
- I smiled and sat back watching as several images flashed across the screen, Matt still grunting in annoyance at not having found his desired station to watch.
- This ensures a customer's details flash up on a call agent's screen as the call comes in.
- A picture flashed on the screen, a handsome face with a day's worth of stubble.
- On the two giant screens flanking him, video images flashed in rapid-fire succession.
- He raised a scowl as his image flashed across the big screen.
- When that message does flash across a computer screen, it may well mean that a server problem is about to prove costly.
- As he was working at his computer, a message flashed once on the screen.
- Seeing the name of Benny's brother flashing on the phone like that had just freaked her out a little bit.
- The machine beeped in recognition of the code and the numbers flashed momentarily across the screen.
- Clues flash on a large screen for just eight seconds apiece.
- Take the words of the foreign affairs committee which flashed up on the screen.
- Ron regarded the cartoon flashing brightly across the screen with glazed eyes and a puzzled frown, not pretending to understand it.
- He was relieved when a picture of his nephew flashed up on the television screen.
- In fact, the dialogue moves so fast that at one point the film's subtitles actually begin to flash too quickly to read.
- A map flashed onscreen, indicating a location with the proper coordinates beside it.
- A crackling image flashed onto the screen, lines of static and interference scrolled up and down the message.
- A modem dials, pages of information and images flash across a computer screen.
- He stopped as a picture of Abbey flashed onto the screen of a news network.
- 3.2informal Hold up or show (something, often proof of one's identity) quickly before replacing it.
she opened her purse and flashed her ID card Example sentencesExamples - I flashed my passport and was easily admitted.
- Just then another passenger rose from his seat and flashed a small plastic card at the warring parties.
- Jonathan flashed his ID, and the guards motioned the car through.
- Ralphie responded quickly as he flashed them his press card.
- After flashing my driver's license, I took Adrienne to baggage claim.
- 3.3informal Make a conspicuous display of (something) so as to impress or attract attention.
they flashed huge wads of money about Example sentencesExamples - Despite living in a homeless shelter, he flashed wads of cash and frequently took airplane trips on purported business.
- Despite a luxury lifestyle, he keeps his private life private and doesn't flash his wealth around.
- They are loud, leery and loaded, and come Friday night you'll find them boozing down the pub flashing the latest designer gear.
- They hate to see somebody flashing the money around like that.
- Don't flash your money, don't cut through alleys, dress in layers.
- Undercover officers posing as tourists flashed their expensive mobile phones as bait, waiting for the gang to strike.
- It is never safe to flash wads of cash or walk around drunk in the middle of the night, whether in Sweden or Sierra Leone.
- Lucky for you teens, Jessica hasn't been flashing any particularly noticeable jewelry on her fingers.
- He had a habit of flashing the wads of cash his benevolent son sent home to him.
- You should take their money if they are flashing it round.
Synonyms show off, flaunt, flourish, display, exhibit, parade, brag about, exult in - 3.4informal no object (of a man) show one's genitals briefly in public.
Example sentencesExamples - A mother has warned other residents to be on their guard after a man flashed her 12-year-old daughter.
- Believing a man had flashed at his girlfriend, he drove at him, jamming him against a wall.
- The man flashed her after he told her he needed help finding clothes for a party.
- So for fun, we ran around campus in nothing but trench coats flashing people.
- He allegedly flashed at a girl of 14 then fled.
- A bit later she was waving at me, and when I glanced over she flashed me again - and she'd taken her bra off!
Synonyms expose oneself, show/display/reveal one's genitals, commit indecent exposure
noun flaʃflæʃ 1A sudden brief burst of bright light. Example sentencesExamples - The landscape was dark, occasionally lit up with a flash of lightning.
- There was a sudden flash of white light and a jagged bolt came down from the night time sky.
- There was a sudden flash that lit up the entire sky, changing the night to day for an instant.
- As the light of day slowly dimmed, the world was lit by the angry flashes of lightning which crackled across the sky.
- Occasionally she fancied she could see a sudden bright flash that might be a laser cannon glinting off a rock.
- As she was strolling down the final row, a sudden flash of bright light caught her attention.
- Again lightning cracked, illuminating the room in a bright flash of light.
- I saw the bright flash as it burst and another little cloud of smoke appeared.
- Thunder growled, and I saw a brief flash of lightning far away.
- The bright flashes of light flickered against Nick's hopeless face.
- A loud clap of thunder sounded overhead, followed immediately by a flash of lightning that lit up the entire night sky.
- Camera flashes illuminate the speaker as she concludes her two-hour address to a thunderous standing ovation.
- Large flashes of light occasionally burst forth from the opening of a cave leading into the opposing mountain range.
- Camera flashes went off as the scene was investigated, causing her to squint.
- At this a loud crash was heard behind them followed by a bright flash of lightning, lighting up the forest briefly.
- Many drivers, who did not know the road and could not see the camera, were shocked when they suddenly saw a flash in their rear view mirror - and realised they had been caught.
- A bolt of lightning descended from the heavens in a blinding flash of yellow light accompanied by the rumble seconds later.
- A flash of lightning lit her room followed by another thunderclap.
- She turned when she heard the throng of girls scream and giggle and was almost blinded by camera flashes.
- Suddenly, a brilliant flash split the night sky in front of him.
Synonyms flare, blaze, burst, glare, pulse, blast gleam, glint, sparkle, flicker, shimmer, twinkle, glimmer beam, shaft, ray, streak, bar, finger, stream - 1.1 A patch or sudden display of a bright colour.
the woodpecker swooped from tree to tree with a flash of yellow, green, and red Example sentencesExamples - The latest handbags feature luxury looks and bejewelled gold chains with flashes of hot colours in materials like snakeskin.
- The glints of orange fish scales and the gleam of a metallic beetle are some of the few flashes of colour in a predominantly monochromatic palette.
- Soft pastels, worn underneath jackets or blazers, will be popular, along with cream, and teamed with flashes of bright colour.
- Shot in black and white with dramatic and significant flashes of colour it's three stories rolled into one.
- This is a simply conceived space depending for drama on immense expanses of pale stone and flashes of brilliant colour.
- Colours are orchestrated in dark tones, such as sable, olive and black accented with flashes of ultramarine.
- The strategic placement of bold panels of colour allows unexpected flashes throughout the hair, dramatizing the movement and lines of each cut and style.
- With their silvery outlines and flashes of colour, the drawings have a sublime grandeur.
- Fill another sprayer with undiluted stain of the same color and spray in patches and flashes immediately as the first layer is being sprayed.
- Soon Kyrithin spotted a bright flash of red material through the rubble and they both ran over.
- 1.2British A coloured patch of cloth on a uniform used as the distinguishing emblem of a regiment, formation, or country.
a short man with the black flashes of the tank units Example sentencesExamples - I ended up buying the kilt itself, a black leather sporran, some black hose, and black flashes.
- He recognised the flashes on the uniform of the young soldier standing beside him. They indicated service in Cyprus.
- Later on that year the cloth patch was replaced by a black flash and a solid gold metal Winged Dagger emblem on top of it.
- The battle dress jacket is brown with an open neck and shoulder flashes on each arm.
Synonyms emblem, insignia, badge, marking patch, bright patch, streak, stripe, bar, chevron - 1.3 A coloured band on the packaging of a product used to catch the consumer's eye.
on-pack flashes offer a free ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ Example sentencesExamples - In response to your query about the Scalextric ‘go-faster’ range, I think they were called ‘Race Tuned’, and carried flashes on their sides to that effect.
- Be watchful for later jackets on the Booker winner with flashes advertising the prize.
- 1.4 A pre-drawn design for a tattoo.
Example sentencesExamples - Hand-drawn, local tattoo flash has largely been replaced by professional ‘flash artists’ who produce prints of copyrighted flash and sell them at conventions or through the Internet.
- The tattoo artist creates flash in themed sets.
- We offer the best print quality tattoo flash from extremely talented and award winning artists.
- Plus I will be putting together two galleries, one of designs I have done for specific people, and another of occult tattoo flash art.
2A sudden or brief manifestation or occurrence of something. she had a flash of inspiration Example sentencesExamples - He was hit with a sudden flash of vertigo, and his stomach rolled over in a lazy lurch.
- So, the film has intelligent moments, bright spots, flashes of insight, but it lacks genuine weight and presence.
- Paul is manic and edgy on stage, with the occasional flash of surreal genius.
- His films, as a result, are often repulsive; yet they contain the occasional flash of genius that may redeem the more unpalatable aspects of his work.
- In a sudden flash of insight, I realized what he did not want me to know.
- Somewhat frustratingly they do show the occasional flash of inspiration, generally during their less frequent slower numbers.
- But the spin-off does show the occasional flash of inspiration.
- His direction is not perfect, but shows occasional flashes of genius.
- There was an apology, a long pause, and then a flash of insight.
- Only rarely is there a sudden flash of insight and this is usually retrospective.
- Perhaps, one of them will display a flash of brilliance.
- Then with a flash of insight he knew what he had to do.
- On occasions he has displayed flashes of courage.
- Mary looked at him then, looked at him for the first time since he'd come into the room, and she felt a brief flash of pity.
- Harrison displayed flashes of strength and determination, but it was his endurance that saw him remain champion.
- He displays flashes of directorial brilliance, particularly in terms of the relationships between the characters, and the performances are solid.
- For his wages the Dutchman needs to have a much more significant influence on the team display - occasional flashes of excellence only serve to infuriate even more.
- Kevin felt a brief flash of anger, but it quickly subsided and they continued training.
- There are flashes of very good prose in this book.
- I won't say there was a sudden flash of insight but dimly I was becoming aware that there are lots of things to see if you take the time to look.
Synonyms burst, outbreak, outburst, wave, rush, surge, stab, flush, blaze sudden show, brief display/exhibition - 2.1 A newsflash.
Example sentencesExamples - I was in a of a press association this afternoon when the flash came in.
- When at last the news agency flash came of the Nazi capitulation on May 7, 1945, the Manchester Eveneing News was ready.
3A camera attachment that produces a brief very bright light, used for taking photographs in poor light. mass noun if in any doubt use flash Example sentencesExamples - Pulling out her camera and attaching the flash, she climbs out of the car and moves past the barricade.
- The flash is too close to the lens and it has been capturing orbs of light, dust or moisture in the air.
- He finds Gilbert, and they spot Keaton, who is using the flash on her digital camera as a flashlight.
- The phone also is equipped with a camera featuring an attachable flash.
- The settings of the camera and flashes were always identical, and thus all photographs received a standard light exposure.
- For some reason known only to him, he was photographing with the neon light inside the restaurant as the source, rather than his on-camera flash.
- If you are unable to completely turn the flash off on your camera you won't be able to achieve the look that you want.
4Computing
trademark in US mass noun A platform for producing and displaying animation and video in web browsers. Example sentencesExamples - Other improvements include a removable battery, and using Flash for main memory.
- The same brains that created the Internet have clearly mastered Flash as well.
- We still do a lot of personal research and development work with Flash and our websites are really popular.
- You'll need Flash and QuickTime to view all the extras buried in these online presentations.
- The original idea I had was to animate it in Flash, which I have done here.
5informal mass noun Ostentatious stylishness or display of wealth. workwear represents a move away from Eighties designer flash Example sentencesExamples - Despite all the flash in Las Vegas, this is the one place we experience true wonder.
- The dark glasses add color and flash to the scene.
- It is all conspicuous consumption of premium champagne, BMWs and surface flash.
- We've all witnessed presentations that were high on flash and flare, and low on content.
- Located in the heart of West Palm Beach, it's a moneyed, up-market environment, big on designer flash and not short on pose and pretension.
6mass noun Excess plastic or metal forced between facing surfaces as two halves of a mould close up, forming a thin projection on the finished object. flap wheels are ideal for grinding off fibreglass flash Example sentencesExamples - Also, when trimming the plates from the sprues, make sure you trim the flash from the bottom of the recessed tab to let the courses sit level.
- A rotary file in an electric drill motor is the perfect tool for grinding off flash.
- The trailing edge smoothed out well and the excess plastic flash just fell off.
7A rush of water, especially down a weir to take a boat over shallows. Example sentencesExamples - In dry seasons when there was little flow of fresh water, flashes had to be provided.
- They often stood there for days until the miller felt able to let down flashes of water to enable them to float over the shallows.
adjectiveflaʃflæʃ 1British informal Ostentatiously stylish or expensive. Example sentencesExamples - It is poor stewardship that causes a man to wear expensive watches, sport designer bags, and flash diamond rings, but then fail to pay child support.
- Money brings status and we want to take away the flash car a drug dealer is driving and show them they are not untouchable.
- Every so often a flash car drives towards the factory.
- He drives a top of the range Mercedes but has not indulged himself with a fleet of the sort of flash cars favoured by some in the football world.
- Away from flash boats and cars, the other magnetic attraction of Monte Carlo is gambling.
- They don't own flash cars or houses but they do take an active interest in managing their money.
- I parked my grungy old delivery van among the rows and rows of flash cars and crept up to the house.
- I know it's a bit of a cliché, but a recent survey has revealed that men apparently believe that flash cars attract women.
- She needs to put things in perspective and ask herself if it really matters that he doesn't own a flash car or that he wears awful shoes.
- It is simply the case that in this world of convenience, flash holidays and big cars, working the land has lost its appeal.
- She had a big flash house, probably a big flash car and loads of money in the bank.
- But I have been aware of a lot of flash cars which kept racing up and down here.
- The flash car finally pulled up at a very large house with lots of trees and flowers beautifully landscaped.
- But the plan backfired when the driver couldn't get the flash car to start as they left the restaurant - leaving the couple at the mercy of the paparazzi.
- They're stylish but not too flash, and practical too!
- He does not drive a mega sports car, or lead a flash lifestyle.
- If you have 22 grand burning a hole in your pocket you could use your loot to buy a flash sports car or head off on a round-the-world trip.
- You want to be one of the young star businessmen and have all the trappings of that - flash cars, flash girls and a flash life.
- He drives a flash sports car, has three tattoos and dyes his hair.
- This means that in a high-consumption society such as ours, when I buy a flash car or suit, I throw down the gauntlet to others to do likewise.
Synonyms ostentatious, showy, bold, flamboyant, conspicuous, obtrusive, extravagant, expensive, pretentious ostentatious, showy, bold, flamboyant, conspicuous, obtrusive, extravagant, expensive, pretentious - 1.1 Ostentatiously displaying one's wealth.
he's a bit flash and refers to his gold card a few times too many Example sentencesExamples - And one could go on and on recounting what flash tourist consultants have thought up as wizard, rabbits-out-of-hats schemes to bring in the visitors.
- Nicky Cole is a flash geezer from the South, but Yates is a flash geezer from the North.
- They are big brash symbols of conspicuous consumption, a way for flash men and women with a lot of cash to flaunt their wealth.
- Perhaps it's the flash git image he exudes as he turns up at yet another film premiere with a beautiful blonde on his arm.
- It was a flash crowd, and soon our roofless concrete barn was packed with wet bodies, dancing under sheets of hard rain and the intermittent flashes of lightning.
- You leave a small tip and your companion thinks you're a cheapskate; a large one and she thinks you're a flash git.
- I'd always known that Mark was a bit of flash git.
2archaic Relating to the language used by criminals or prostitutes. Example sentencesExamples - Notwithstanding the editor's condescension toward these ‘second-rate’ men, he recognizes the opportunity flash language provided for disguised communication.
- Many British navy and army officers hated the 'flash language' used by convicts.
- This is the story of an extraordinary quest by two women - one the wife of a journalist, and the other a young girl who had been sold to a flash house when she was just 10 years old.
Phrases A thing or person whose sudden but brief success is not repeated or repeatable. our start to the season was just a flash in the pan Example sentencesExamples - Perhaps this is just another flash in the pan but I think it is significant.
- It is not a flash in the pan but something that's been maintained over a long period.
- And his form so far this season has proved that his success last year was no flash in the pan.
- Experts believe the upsurge in racing throughout the county is more than a flash in the pan, with attendance figures increasing at larger and smaller meetings in Yorkshire.
- The conference speech confirmed that he wasn't a flash in the pan.
- ‘A lot of those bands are going to be a flash in the pan,’ he says.
- Organising a music festival in India and battling the Indian bureaucracy was not exactly an easy affair for this group, but they seem confident about making this more than just a flash in the pan.
- Are they a flash in the pan, though, or are they here to stay?
- A year ago I would have written the band off as a flash in the pan, but now I'm thinking that they've got what it takes to stick around for a while longer.
- Although it was just a flash in the pan, the goodwill involved in setting up such a festival is still commented upon favourably by scholars today.
Very quickly; immediately. she was out of the back door in a flash Example sentencesExamples - The cold was fierce and I was gone like a flash to get my woolies from the car before I got a dose of hypothermia.
- The weekend passes like a flash, and we return to the daily grind of college, waiting for it to come again.
- There had been ads on TV since September building up to Christmas, and it was all over in a flash.
- I closed the door quickly and like a flash I was at the table filling my bag with the money once again.
- Let me know if there's room on the back of your truck, and I'll be there in a flash.
- They will sit on your rear bumper until they get a little bit of a straight road and then they are past you like a flash.
- I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and three hours passed in a flash.
- He was on to it like a flash, racing into the penalty area.
- You could of course buy a jar of this delicious olive paste, but home-made tapenade can be done in a flash in a food processor.
- Peggy was out of the car in a flash, with Mrs Griffiths following her inside.
Synonyms instantly, suddenly, abruptly, immediately, instantaneously, all of a sudden
(especially of a person's response or reaction) very quickly. quick as a flash he was at her side Example sentencesExamples - The lights were bright, the chorus and orchestra deafening, the adrenaline pumping, the action frantic and then, as quick as a flash, it was all over.
- If they'd have let her come with us, she'd have been on that boat as quick as a flash.
- As quick as a flash, Arthur jumped on one of the bikes and turned the ignition key.
- She reveals she buys all her own clothes for work, ‘although I never pay full price,’ she adds, quick as a flash.
- As quick as a flash, he pulled a gun from his backpack.
- As quick as a flash, his eyes darted to Stevie, and he said: ‘Does that mean we have to call you Gerry now?’
- Then, quick as a flash, something smashed the window and flew across the room, making her jump involuntarily.
- The gray cat jumped a few good inches off the ground in surprise and ran quick as a flash into the adjoining bathroom, skidding slightly on the tiles.
- ‘You saved the best till last,’ replies the candidate, quick as a flash.
- But as the ball bounced up the youngster, as quick as a flash, hooked it over his shoulder.
Phrasal Verbs 1Make an electric circuit by sparking across a gap. Example sentencesExamples - If the voltage is high enough, the insulator flashes over causing a short circuit of the system.
- The theory here is that the primer flashes over the small powder charge and causes it to detonate.
- An arc then flashes over between these electrodes 24 and 13, giving rise to ionization and pressurization.
- 1.1(of a fire) spread instantly across a gap because of intense heat.
Example sentencesExamples - Once the fire flashed over the side station, it quickly enveloped the deli restaurant, feeding on the combustible interior finishes and furnishings.
- At about 4 p.m., the fire ‘flashed over’ and the buildings erupted in a mass of flame, trapping some staff on upper floors.
- When the driver lifted the engine cover he provided the oxygen that was lacking and the fire ‘flashed over’ and spread quickly through the bus.
Origin Middle English (in the sense 'splash water about'): probably imitative; compare with flush1 and splash. We think of flash in terms of fire and light, but in the Middle Ages it originally meant ‘splash water about’, and like plash (early 16th century) and splash (mid 18th century) probably came from the sound of the word. The association with fire may have developed from the resemblance of the word to flame (see flagrant). The idea of ‘ostentatious stylishness or display of wealth’ goes back to the 17th century. When calling a sudden, brief success a flash in the pan we are referring to early firearms. Sometimes the gunpowder would burn fiercely but ineffectually in the ‘pan’, the part that held the priming charge, without igniting the main charge. The result was a flash and some smoke, but the gun did not fire—what Shakespeare in Macbeth called ‘sound and fury signifying nothing’.
Rhymes abash, ash, Ashe, bash, brash, cache, calash, cash, clash, crash, dash, encash, gnash, hash, lash, mash, Nash, panache, pash, plash, rash, sash, slash, smash, soutache, splash, stash, thrash, trash noun flaʃflæʃ British A water-filled hollow formed by subsidence, especially any of those due to rock salt extraction in or near Cheshire in central England. sandpits and flashes also attract visiting birds Example sentencesExamples - Pennington Flash Country Park, centred on a large lake or ‘flash’ formed by mining subsidence, now provides some of the best sailing and bird-watching facilities in the region.
- The flash, or lake, is the result of mining subsidence in 1924 and a disused railway still runs through the woodland.
- When quarrying was abandoned the Flashes were left to nature.
- It is a shallow subsidence flash, no more than a metre or two in depth at most.
- There was then a report of a flamingo at Neuman's Flash - a salt flash near Northwich in Cheshire.
Origin Middle English (in the sense 'a marshy place'): from Old French flache, variant of Picard and Norman dialect flaque, from Middle Dutch vlacke. The current sense dates from the late 19th century. verbflaSHflæʃ 1no object (of a light or something that reflects light) shine in a bright but brief, sudden, or intermittent way. the lights started flashing Example sentencesExamples - There were red and blue lights flashing over the house.
- Bright light flashed across our eyes as fire blew up everywhere.
- A distress beacon flashes over the snow-covered surroundings.
- Without warning, to his left, a bright light flashed at the edge of the woods, about thirty meters away.
- No fewer than nine police cars with flashing lights drove up, accompanied by a dozen, pistol - packing gorillas.
- Bright lights flashed in an array of colors, advertising everything from vehicles to burlesque houses.
- Then she saw them dancing, red and blue lights flashing over the hardwood gym floor, her head on his shoulder.
- I loved being there away from the fans and flashing cameras.
- She began to take a step off the ledge, but bright light flashed before her eyes.
- I looked up at the bright green neon sign flashing on and off, ‘Club Divine’ it read.
- Immediately after stowing our goggles, a blinding bright light flashed in front of my windscreen.
- A white light flashed briefly before my eyes, and there were no other words to be said.
- He squinted his eyes as cameras flashed in front of him.
- A bright light flashed and everything went silent.
- Just as I started to dial, I noticed the red light flashing on the handset signaling I had a phone message.
- The ship whisked into the night's sky, its bright lights flashing.
- Squad cars with flashing lights move in slow arcs through the clinic parking lot.
- A shriek echoed around the hill as bright lights began to flash under the tree.
- It was already crowded and pumping with Latin dance music, the bright lights flashing across the entire room.
- A sudden burst of bright green light flashed behind the tree.
Synonyms light up, shine, flare, blaze, glare, beam, gleam, glint, sparkle, spark, burn, fluoresce - 1.1with object Cause to shine briefly or suddenly.
the oncoming car flashed its lights Example sentencesExamples - Motorists could also draw attention to themselves by flashing their lights or sounding their horn to make people aware they are in difficulty.
- Jak flashed the light around to see what was surrounding.
- The Italians report when the vehicle was 33 feet away, a warning light was flashed, giving little time for them to react.
- When she reversed into a parking space opposite the church, another car flashed its lights at her.
- She gently opened the door and flashed her light to see what lay ahead of her.
- The driver was alerted to on-coming cars flashing their lights at him.
- I drove on to the shrubs in the centre and flashed my hazard warning lights.
- Jack flashed the light down the tunnel and noticed that it curved too much to look all the way down it.
- I have repeatedly had cars flashing their lights at me or hooting their horns and giving very rude gestures.
- A lorry driver stopped at Frankley Services after a car flashed its lights at him.
- Cars and lorries were flashing their lights and beeping at me.
- He could already hear the sounds of patrolmen, calling out over the stretch of nothingness, flashing their lights every which way.
- The car was flashing its lights and sounding the horn.
- He flashed his light over it, and tried to make out what it was, but it was very old and torn.
- The panel began to flash a pulsing red light like the beat of a heart, and a loud alarm began sounding through out the building and the surrounding outdoors.
- The car behind me started flashing its lights, and turned on its siren.
- He says he was driving his van towards the city centre when a car behind him started flashing its lights at him.
- We have had cars flash their lights and in the case of one van driver, sound his horn just because we were keeping within the speed limit.
- The police car flashed his lights briefly at a car that touched 90 or so, but that was about it.
- Mark turned and flashed the light to where Tina was standing.
- 1.2with object Shine or show a light to send (a signal)
red lights started to flash a warning Example sentencesExamples - He waited until they were closer and then flashed the prearranged signal.
- The automobile in front of them flashed a warning signal of red to tell of slowing, and he eased up on the gas as he headed further into the dark city.
- A heliograph was a communications system consisting of two mirrors on a tripod used to flash signals with sunlight.
- James quickly glanced back at Higgins, flashing him a signal.
- They want to install a system which will flash a warning signal in the cab of the train if it passes through a red light.
- He lit the lamp he carried, and flashed an agreed signal to the other three men waiting in one of the canoes a short distance away.
- 1.3with object Give (a swift or sudden look)
Carrie flashed a glance in his direction with two objects she flashed him a withering look Example sentencesExamples - People flash coy looks at one another, hoping that they won't be asked to make the first move and speak about what they make of it all.
- She pushes men away while flashing a come-hither look.
- Gwen flashed an angry look at her and went around her to the door, shutting it tightly behind her.
- She flashed him a dangerous glance before looking away again.
- Brown flashed a knowing look into the gallery, and a few people, for want of a better word, tittered.
- He flashed an apologetic look at Jonah and Sally, his face a mixture of guilt and fear.
- Turning to look at me, she notices where my gaze had been and flashes a quick warning glare, as I quickly try and pull my eyes away, but obviously not quick enough.
- She flashed an evil look back at him.
- The man in front of her nodded his head and flashed a look of concern in her direction.
- Jolene flashed a look at the gate and saw the guard back there again, staring blankly into space.
- Coach flashed a look of disgust in our direction and walked up to me.
- He flashed an indecipherable look at me and opened the door.
- I flashed a look of gratitude at Noelle, and she nodded coolly.
- His sister flashed a mischievous look at him.
- He flashed a stern look towards the nurse.
- She flashes me a knowing glance and looks to be keeping track of them from the corner of her eyes.
- Eric flashed a look between the two of them but didn't say anything.
- James flashed an apologetic look, but Leanne felt sorry for him.
- I flash a look at all the others that warns them not to help him.
- She flashed another look at the weapon; still her fear remained non-existent.
- 1.4 Express a sudden burst of emotion, especially anger, with a swift or sudden look.
she glared at him, her eyes flashing Example sentencesExamples - His eyes were flashing with anger, but they softened.
- Grace's eyes flashed, anger twisting her features into a snarl, ‘so he wants to play that way does he?’
- His eyes flashed with anger and he grabbed Willis' wrist and twisted it behind his back.
- His eyes were flashing from humiliation, anger and probably pain.
- His eyes were flashing with anger and his mouth was covered in blood.
- Her head was up again and her eyes were flashing with anger.
- The crying woman's head jerked up, eyes flashing in momentary anger at my tone of voice.
- ‘Jordan isn't going to make me miserable,’ Faith argued, her eyes flashing with anger.
- His eyes flashed with anger for a moment, making Gwen step back unconsciously.
- Her brow furrowed in confusion, but then her eyes flashed with anger again.
- My mother replied in a low voice through gritted teeth, her honey brown eyes flashing with anger.
- Darcy's face paled and her green eyes flashed with restrained emotion.
- When his eyes located her, cuddled into Adam's lap, Joe flew into a rage, his green eyes flashing in anger at his brother.
- Jason's eyes flashed with anger, and I began to shrink inside myself.
- ‘Get the hell away from me Corey - right now’ Hailey said, her eyes flashing with anger.
- ‘You had no right to stare at me as you did, sir,’ she said bitterly, her eyes flashing in anger.
- His eyes flashed with anger behind his round gold framed glasses.
- Alan drew his shotgun, his eyes flashing with anger as he charged back towards the door to the stairway.
- For a second I thought he was going to hit me, his eyes were flashing with anger and impatience.
- She whirled on him, her brown eyes flashing with anger.
2no object, with adverbial of direction Move or pass very quickly. a look of terror flashed across Kirov's face another stray thought flashed through her mind Example sentencesExamples - Michael was so wrapped up in not letting her see the pain in his eyes that he didn't notice the pain that flashed quickly across her own features at his words.
- She turned her attention to the scenery flashing past her.
- Thinking that he had angered me into an outburst, surprise flashed over his face at my abrupt change in attitude, before being quickly replaced with a cool, calm look.
- The altimeter was counting down, the final couple of hundred feet flashing by too quickly.
- As they step inside a look of realization flashes over Jason's face.
- A look of amused surprise flashes over his face.
- Karl asked, a confused look flashing over his face again.
- The time flashed by so quickly for the rest of the trip.
- There are the cool dudes flashing along the byways as if they were racing in the Tour de France.
- For a moment, anger flashes across his face as he addresses this accusation.
- Eventually, I became aware that the streetlights were not flashing by as quickly as they had been.
- The goalkeeper didn't even move as the ball flashed past him, sending ripples down the back of the net.
- The pedestrian light is red, the cars are flashing past.
- Not even the beautiful scenery flashing past the windows of the truck could distract his thoughts.
- Within seconds of weighing up the overtaking space, the scenery is flashing past you at incredible speed.
- They flashed quickly past Marcy, and she had taken them in and interpreted them without knowing it.
- A wince of pain flashing over her pale, clammy features told me she was slowly remembering.
- As the van was speeding down the street, lamps overhanging above us flashed by quickly.
- But anger flashed across her face when the cellular phone in her pocket rang.
- For an instant, sheer terror flashed across Lady Alison's face, then she composed herself and turned.
Synonyms zoom, streak, tear, shoot, dash, dart, fly, whistle, hurtle, rush, hurry, bolt, race, bound, speed, career, charge, hare, whizz, whoosh, buzz - 2.1with object and adverbial of direction Send (news or information) swiftly by means of telegraphy or telecommunications.
the story was flashed around the world Example sentencesExamples - This news had earlier been flashed to the world via the BBC website.
- TV footage and stills of that scene were flashed around the world.
- With the spread of the Internet, news and events are flashed all over the word in an instant.
- Images of the shooting - videotaped by TV crews covering the march - were flashed around the world.
- Ninety years ago, there were no television pictures, radio broadcasts or Internet bulletins to flash the news around the globe in an instant.
- However, the whole incident was flashed around to other bases, telling everyone to behave themselves.
- The system has the potential to allow vast amounts of information to be flashed across town and city rooftops in total security and without the need to dig up roads for laying cables.
- This era is also made unique by the speed with which sporting feats are flashed around the world.
- The quote was diligently flashed around the world by wire agencies, including the Press Association.
- This nonchalance is understandable: pictures of his pub are flashed around the world's televisions every time the river breaks its banks.
3with object Display (an image, words, or information) suddenly on a television or computer screen or electronic sign, typically briefly or repeatedly. suddenly the screen flashes a message Example sentencesExamples - This information will be flashed on the digital display screen at the bus stop.
- Electronic signs now flash the words SLOW DOWN at speeding vehicles just before the start of the roadworks to give motorists the chance to kill their speed.
- Their pictures will be flashed on television screens to help reunite them with their traveling companions.
- As he crossed the finishing line his image was flashed up on the large screens.
- The television flashed a split screen picture of the two suspects.
- Your computer screen is flashing an unwelcome message.
- The computerized system takes photographs of the cases, flashing their images on a screen.
- The giant white screen flashed images of people in the streets mourning Corrie's death.
- Mobile phones are bombarded with text messages and information is flashed on motorway signs.
- Her photograph was being flashed onto television screens last night in an effort to find her relatives.
- The screen's flashing different pictures at me all at once!
- The little screen was black again, quickly flashing how many minutes they talked.
- When his computer screen flashes the words ‘Wake up, Neo,’ much of the audience sat up in hopeful recognition.
- Nick listened to the facts and then the news channel flashed a picture of Leigh across the screen.
- I saw a picture of him that was flashed on the screen at the time of his arrest.
- Throughout the show various statistics were flashed up on the screen which frankly seemed hard to believe.
Synonyms display, show, present, set forth, unveil - 3.1no object (of an image or message) be displayed briefly or repeatedly on a screen.
the election results flashed on the screen Example sentencesExamples - He stopped as a picture of Abbey flashed onto the screen of a news network.
- A crackling image flashed onto the screen, lines of static and interference scrolled up and down the message.
- He raised a scowl as his image flashed across the big screen.
- As soon as the first image flashed up on the screen it would have been clear what site it was.
- In fact, the dialogue moves so fast that at one point the film's subtitles actually begin to flash too quickly to read.
- A modem dials, pages of information and images flash across a computer screen.
- Take the words of the foreign affairs committee which flashed up on the screen.
- Ron regarded the cartoon flashing brightly across the screen with glazed eyes and a puzzled frown, not pretending to understand it.
- He was relieved when a picture of his nephew flashed up on the television screen.
- A map flashed onscreen, indicating a location with the proper coordinates beside it.
- As he was working at his computer, a message flashed once on the screen.
- A picture flashed on the screen, a handsome face with a day's worth of stubble.
- When that message does flash across a computer screen, it may well mean that a server problem is about to prove costly.
- As he addressed them, huge figures flashed up on an electronic scoreboard, detailing the jump in unemployment.
- This ensures a customer's details flash up on a call agent's screen as the call comes in.
- Seeing the name of Benny's brother flashing on the phone like that had just freaked her out a little bit.
- I smiled and sat back watching as several images flashed across the screen, Matt still grunting in annoyance at not having found his desired station to watch.
- Clues flash on a large screen for just eight seconds apiece.
- On the two giant screens flanking him, video images flashed in rapid-fire succession.
- The machine beeped in recognition of the code and the numbers flashed momentarily across the screen.
- 3.2informal Hold up or show (something, often proof of one's identity) quickly before replacing it.
she opened her purse and flashed her ID card Example sentencesExamples - Jonathan flashed his ID, and the guards motioned the car through.
- I flashed my passport and was easily admitted.
- Just then another passenger rose from his seat and flashed a small plastic card at the warring parties.
- After flashing my driver's license, I took Adrienne to baggage claim.
- Ralphie responded quickly as he flashed them his press card.
- 3.3informal Make a conspicuous display of (something) so as to impress or attract attention.
they all flash their money around Example sentencesExamples - Undercover officers posing as tourists flashed their expensive mobile phones as bait, waiting for the gang to strike.
- You should take their money if they are flashing it round.
- Despite living in a homeless shelter, he flashed wads of cash and frequently took airplane trips on purported business.
- They hate to see somebody flashing the money around like that.
- Despite a luxury lifestyle, he keeps his private life private and doesn't flash his wealth around.
- Lucky for you teens, Jessica hasn't been flashing any particularly noticeable jewelry on her fingers.
- Don't flash your money, don't cut through alleys, dress in layers.
- They are loud, leery and loaded, and come Friday night you'll find them boozing down the pub flashing the latest designer gear.
- He had a habit of flashing the wads of cash his benevolent son sent home to him.
- It is never safe to flash wads of cash or walk around drunk in the middle of the night, whether in Sweden or Sierra Leone.
Synonyms show off, flaunt, flourish, display, exhibit, parade, brag about, exult in - 3.4often as noun flashinginformal no object (of a man) show one's genitals briefly in public.
Example sentencesExamples - A mother has warned other residents to be on their guard after a man flashed her 12-year-old daughter.
- The man flashed her after he told her he needed help finding clothes for a party.
- So for fun, we ran around campus in nothing but trench coats flashing people.
- A bit later she was waving at me, and when I glanced over she flashed me again - and she'd taken her bra off!
- He allegedly flashed at a girl of 14 then fled.
- Believing a man had flashed at his girlfriend, he drove at him, jamming him against a wall.
Synonyms expose oneself, display one's genitals, reveal one's genitals, show one's genitals, commit indecent exposure
nounflaSHflæʃ 1A sudden brief burst of bright light or a sudden glint from a reflective surface. the grenade exploded with a yellow flash of light Example sentencesExamples - Occasionally she fancied she could see a sudden bright flash that might be a laser cannon glinting off a rock.
- She turned when she heard the throng of girls scream and giggle and was almost blinded by camera flashes.
- Camera flashes illuminate the speaker as she concludes her two-hour address to a thunderous standing ovation.
- Large flashes of light occasionally burst forth from the opening of a cave leading into the opposing mountain range.
- Thunder growled, and I saw a brief flash of lightning far away.
- Many drivers, who did not know the road and could not see the camera, were shocked when they suddenly saw a flash in their rear view mirror - and realised they had been caught.
- As she was strolling down the final row, a sudden flash of bright light caught her attention.
- Suddenly, a brilliant flash split the night sky in front of him.
- There was a sudden flash that lit up the entire sky, changing the night to day for an instant.
- At this a loud crash was heard behind them followed by a bright flash of lightning, lighting up the forest briefly.
- A loud clap of thunder sounded overhead, followed immediately by a flash of lightning that lit up the entire night sky.
- Again lightning cracked, illuminating the room in a bright flash of light.
- There was a sudden flash of white light and a jagged bolt came down from the night time sky.
- I saw the bright flash as it burst and another little cloud of smoke appeared.
- As the light of day slowly dimmed, the world was lit by the angry flashes of lightning which crackled across the sky.
- The landscape was dark, occasionally lit up with a flash of lightning.
- A flash of lightning lit her room followed by another thunderclap.
- Camera flashes went off as the scene was investigated, causing her to squint.
- The bright flashes of light flickered against Nick's hopeless face.
- A bolt of lightning descended from the heavens in a blinding flash of yellow light accompanied by the rumble seconds later.
Synonyms flare, blaze, burst, glare, pulse, blast 2A sudden instance or manifestation of a quality, understanding, or humor. she had a flash of inspiration Example sentencesExamples - But the spin-off does show the occasional flash of inspiration.
- His films, as a result, are often repulsive; yet they contain the occasional flash of genius that may redeem the more unpalatable aspects of his work.
- There was an apology, a long pause, and then a flash of insight.
- I won't say there was a sudden flash of insight but dimly I was becoming aware that there are lots of things to see if you take the time to look.
- Paul is manic and edgy on stage, with the occasional flash of surreal genius.
- Only rarely is there a sudden flash of insight and this is usually retrospective.
- So, the film has intelligent moments, bright spots, flashes of insight, but it lacks genuine weight and presence.
- He displays flashes of directorial brilliance, particularly in terms of the relationships between the characters, and the performances are solid.
- Harrison displayed flashes of strength and determination, but it was his endurance that saw him remain champion.
- Then with a flash of insight he knew what he had to do.
- There are flashes of very good prose in this book.
- He was hit with a sudden flash of vertigo, and his stomach rolled over in a lazy lurch.
- Somewhat frustratingly they do show the occasional flash of inspiration, generally during their less frequent slower numbers.
- For his wages the Dutchman needs to have a much more significant influence on the team display - occasional flashes of excellence only serve to infuriate even more.
- Perhaps, one of them will display a flash of brilliance.
- In a sudden flash of insight, I realized what he did not want me to know.
- On occasions he has displayed flashes of courage.
- His direction is not perfect, but shows occasional flashes of genius.
- Kevin felt a brief flash of anger, but it quickly subsided and they continued training.
- Mary looked at him then, looked at him for the first time since he'd come into the room, and she felt a brief flash of pity.
Synonyms burst, outbreak, outburst, wave, rush, surge, stab, flush, blaze - 2.1 A news flash.
Example sentencesExamples - When at last the news agency flash came of the Nazi capitulation on May 7, 1945, the Manchester Eveneing News was ready.
- I was in a of a press association this afternoon when the flash came in.
3A camera attachment that produces a brief very bright light, used for taking photographs in poor light. if in any doubt, use flash as modifier flash photography Example sentencesExamples - The phone also is equipped with a camera featuring an attachable flash.
- The settings of the camera and flashes were always identical, and thus all photographs received a standard light exposure.
- The flash is too close to the lens and it has been capturing orbs of light, dust or moisture in the air.
- For some reason known only to him, he was photographing with the neon light inside the restaurant as the source, rather than his on-camera flash.
- If you are unable to completely turn the flash off on your camera you won't be able to achieve the look that you want.
- He finds Gilbert, and they spot Keaton, who is using the flash on her digital camera as a flashlight.
- Pulling out her camera and attaching the flash, she climbs out of the car and moves past the barricade.
4Computing
trademark in US A platform for producing and displaying animation and video in web browsers. Example sentencesExamples - Other improvements include a removable battery, and using Flash for main memory.
- You'll need Flash and QuickTime to view all the extras buried in these online presentations.
- The same brains that created the Internet have clearly mastered Flash as well.
- We still do a lot of personal research and development work with Flash and our websites are really popular.
- The original idea I had was to animate it in Flash, which I have done here.
5Excess plastic or metal forced between facing surfaces as two halves of a mold close up, forming a thin projection on the finished object. Example sentencesExamples - Also, when trimming the plates from the sprues, make sure you trim the flash from the bottom of the recessed tab to let the courses sit level.
- The trailing edge smoothed out well and the excess plastic flash just fell off.
- A rotary file in an electric drill motor is the perfect tool for grinding off flash.
adjectiveflaSHflæʃ 1British informal (of a thing) ostentatiously expensive, elaborate, or up to date. Example sentencesExamples - But the plan backfired when the driver couldn't get the flash car to start as they left the restaurant - leaving the couple at the mercy of the paparazzi.
- They don't own flash cars or houses but they do take an active interest in managing their money.
- Away from flash boats and cars, the other magnetic attraction of Monte Carlo is gambling.
- You want to be one of the young star businessmen and have all the trappings of that - flash cars, flash girls and a flash life.
- He does not drive a mega sports car, or lead a flash lifestyle.
- But I have been aware of a lot of flash cars which kept racing up and down here.
- She had a big flash house, probably a big flash car and loads of money in the bank.
- If you have 22 grand burning a hole in your pocket you could use your loot to buy a flash sports car or head off on a round-the-world trip.
- They're stylish but not too flash, and practical too!
- She needs to put things in perspective and ask herself if it really matters that he doesn't own a flash car or that he wears awful shoes.
- He drives a flash sports car, has three tattoos and dyes his hair.
- Money brings status and we want to take away the flash car a drug dealer is driving and show them they are not untouchable.
- It is poor stewardship that causes a man to wear expensive watches, sport designer bags, and flash diamond rings, but then fail to pay child support.
- This means that in a high-consumption society such as ours, when I buy a flash car or suit, I throw down the gauntlet to others to do likewise.
- It is simply the case that in this world of convenience, flash holidays and big cars, working the land has lost its appeal.
- The flash car finally pulled up at a very large house with lots of trees and flowers beautifully landscaped.
- I know it's a bit of a cliché, but a recent survey has revealed that men apparently believe that flash cars attract women.
- I parked my grungy old delivery van among the rows and rows of flash cars and crept up to the house.
- He drives a top of the range Mercedes but has not indulged himself with a fleet of the sort of flash cars favoured by some in the football world.
- Every so often a flash car drives towards the factory.
Synonyms ostentatious, showy, bold, flamboyant, conspicuous, obtrusive, extravagant, expensive, pretentious ostentatious, showy, bold, flamboyant, conspicuous, obtrusive, extravagant, expensive, pretentious - 1.1 (of a person) superficially attractive because stylish and full of brash charm.
he was carrying this money around and trying to be flash Example sentencesExamples - It was a flash crowd, and soon our roofless concrete barn was packed with wet bodies, dancing under sheets of hard rain and the intermittent flashes of lightning.
- They are big brash symbols of conspicuous consumption, a way for flash men and women with a lot of cash to flaunt their wealth.
- Perhaps it's the flash git image he exudes as he turns up at yet another film premiere with a beautiful blonde on his arm.
- And one could go on and on recounting what flash tourist consultants have thought up as wizard, rabbits-out-of-hats schemes to bring in the visitors.
- I'd always known that Mark was a bit of flash git.
- Nicky Cole is a flash geezer from the South, but Yates is a flash geezer from the North.
- You leave a small tip and your companion thinks you're a cheapskate; a large one and she thinks you're a flash git.
2archaic Relating to thieves, prostitutes, or the underworld, especially their language. Example sentencesExamples - Notwithstanding the editor's condescension toward these ‘second-rate’ men, he recognizes the opportunity flash language provided for disguised communication.
- This is the story of an extraordinary quest by two women - one the wife of a journalist, and the other a young girl who had been sold to a flash house when she was just 10 years old.
- Many British navy and army officers hated the 'flash language' used by convicts.
Phrases A thing or person whose sudden but brief success is not repeated or repeatable. our start to the season was just a flash in the pan Example sentencesExamples - And his form so far this season has proved that his success last year was no flash in the pan.
- Experts believe the upsurge in racing throughout the county is more than a flash in the pan, with attendance figures increasing at larger and smaller meetings in Yorkshire.
- ‘A lot of those bands are going to be a flash in the pan,’ he says.
- A year ago I would have written the band off as a flash in the pan, but now I'm thinking that they've got what it takes to stick around for a while longer.
- It is not a flash in the pan but something that's been maintained over a long period.
- Although it was just a flash in the pan, the goodwill involved in setting up such a festival is still commented upon favourably by scholars today.
- Are they a flash in the pan, though, or are they here to stay?
- The conference speech confirmed that he wasn't a flash in the pan.
- Organising a music festival in India and battling the Indian bureaucracy was not exactly an easy affair for this group, but they seem confident about making this more than just a flash in the pan.
- Perhaps this is just another flash in the pan but I think it is significant.
Very quickly; immediately. she was out of the back door in a flash Example sentencesExamples - I closed the door quickly and like a flash I was at the table filling my bag with the money once again.
- They will sit on your rear bumper until they get a little bit of a straight road and then they are past you like a flash.
- You could of course buy a jar of this delicious olive paste, but home-made tapenade can be done in a flash in a food processor.
- Peggy was out of the car in a flash, with Mrs Griffiths following her inside.
- He was on to it like a flash, racing into the penalty area.
- There had been ads on TV since September building up to Christmas, and it was all over in a flash.
- I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and three hours passed in a flash.
- The weekend passes like a flash, and we return to the daily grind of college, waiting for it to come again.
- The cold was fierce and I was gone like a flash to get my woolies from the car before I got a dose of hypothermia.
- Let me know if there's room on the back of your truck, and I'll be there in a flash.
Synonyms instantly, suddenly, abruptly, immediately, instantaneously, all of a sudden
(especially of a person's response or reaction) very quickly. quick as a flash he was at her side Example sentencesExamples - She reveals she buys all her own clothes for work, ‘although I never pay full price,’ she adds, quick as a flash.
- But as the ball bounced up the youngster, as quick as a flash, hooked it over his shoulder.
- Then, quick as a flash, something smashed the window and flew across the room, making her jump involuntarily.
- As quick as a flash, his eyes darted to Stevie, and he said: ‘Does that mean we have to call you Gerry now?’
- The lights were bright, the chorus and orchestra deafening, the adrenaline pumping, the action frantic and then, as quick as a flash, it was all over.
- The gray cat jumped a few good inches off the ground in surprise and ran quick as a flash into the adjoining bathroom, skidding slightly on the tiles.
- ‘You saved the best till last,’ replies the candidate, quick as a flash.
- As quick as a flash, he pulled a gun from his backpack.
- As quick as a flash, Arthur jumped on one of the bikes and turned the ignition key.
- If they'd have let her come with us, she'd have been on that boat as quick as a flash.
Phrasal Verbs 1Make an electric circuit by sparking across a gap. Example sentencesExamples - If the voltage is high enough, the insulator flashes over causing a short circuit of the system.
- An arc then flashes over between these electrodes 24 and 13, giving rise to ionization and pressurization.
- The theory here is that the primer flashes over the small powder charge and causes it to detonate.
- 1.1(of a fire) spread instantly across a gap because of intense heat.
Example sentencesExamples - At about 4 p.m., the fire ‘flashed over’ and the buildings erupted in a mass of flame, trapping some staff on upper floors.
- When the driver lifted the engine cover he provided the oxygen that was lacking and the fire ‘flashed over’ and spread quickly through the bus.
- Once the fire flashed over the side station, it quickly enveloped the deli restaurant, feeding on the combustible interior finishes and furnishings.
(of a person's thoughts or mind) briefly and suddenly recall a previous time or incident. her thoughts immediately flashed back to last night Example sentencesExamples - Her mind flashed back to the time she first met Nick.
- But then the look on that man's face suddenly flashed back to me.
- Her mind flashes back to yesterday at twilight, when she'd started the engine, preparing to abandon Frank and escape the woods on her own.
- My mind kept flashing back to what happened two weeks ago.
- Her mind flashed back to when he was talking to her.
- The events from the previous day came flashing back.
- Images kept flashing back from the previous day, what she had said… what he had said…
- My mind immediately flashed back to my dream, and I blushed again.
- Her mind flashed back to the events of the evening, the dancing.
- Suddenly my mind flashed back to a day eight months ago.
Origin Middle English (in the sense ‘splash water about’): probably imitative; compare with flush and splash. nounflæʃflaSH British A water-filled hollow formed by subsidence, especially any of those due to rock salt extraction in or near Cheshire in central England. sandpits and flashes also attract visiting birds Example sentencesExamples - The flash, or lake, is the result of mining subsidence in 1924 and a disused railway still runs through the woodland.
- Pennington Flash Country Park, centred on a large lake or ‘flash’ formed by mining subsidence, now provides some of the best sailing and bird-watching facilities in the region.
- There was then a report of a flamingo at Neuman's Flash - a salt flash near Northwich in Cheshire.
- It is a shallow subsidence flash, no more than a metre or two in depth at most.
- When quarrying was abandoned the Flashes were left to nature.
Origin Middle English (in the sense ‘a marshy place’): from Old French flache, variant of Picard and Norman dialect flaque, from Middle Dutch vlacke. The current sense dates from the late 19th century. |