flash (something) at (someone or something)
1. To illuminate someone or something with a light. I can't see anything down here—flash a light at these boxes. will you? Maybe they're labeled. I was startled to flash my headlights at a deer crossing the highway. Dude, if that police chopper flashes their spotlight at us, we're done!
2. To show or reveal something, often in a quick gesture. The witness refused to talk until I flashed my police badge at her. Dad, he flashed a search warrant at us—we had to let him in. "But the city did say I could start this construction project!" I exclaimed, as I flashed my permit at my neighbors.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
flash something at someone or something
1. Lit. to shine a light quickly on someone or something. Larry flashed a light at Frank to verify his identity. We flashed the light at each doorway, looking for the address we had been sent to.
2. Fig. to show something, such as a badge, to someone or a group quickly. The cop flashed his badge at the suspect. The security officer came in and flashed his badge at the board of directors.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.