Definition of the word flash past

The phrase "flash past" is a figurative expression typically used to describe something that occurs quickly and abruptly, often leaving a brief but vivid impression. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the early 20th century, when the word "flash" began to take on different meanings beyond its original definition as a short, loud noise or bright light. As photography became more common, the term "flash" also came to describe the brief burst of light produced by a camera's flashbulb. The use of this word to describe sudden, fleeting events can be seen as a direct result of the way in which these mechanical flashes left a momentary, almost blinding impression on the senses. The phrase "flash past" embodies this idea of suddenness and brevity, referring to the way in which something can seem to move swiftly and rapidly, leaving a momentary impression on the mind's eye much like the brief, intense burst of light produced by a camera's flash. Despite its origins in photography, this expression has become a part of everyday language, used to describe a wide variety of fleeting experiences, from quick but vivid sensations to sudden occurrences that pass by in the blink of an eye.