pan out
Featured
Puzzle #141 · October 20, 2025
This phrase comes from gold prospecting. A pan is used to wash gravel and sediment separating the heavier gold from lighter materials. The term evolved figuratively to mean a successful outcome or to turn out well, based on the idea of finding gold. ‘How did your deal pan out?
Puzzle Appearances
The expression pan out has appeared in 1 puzzle:
- Puzzle #141 on October 20, 2025
Rate of Appearance in English Language Print
Google's Ngram project shows how often a pair of words has appeared in print every year since the 1800's.
Data from Google Books Ngram Viewer. Licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Explore More Expressions
Everyday the Wordcels Puzzle has a featured expression showing meaning, history and connection to culture. Explore them all.
The Wordcels Puzzle
Think you've mastered Americanisms? The two-word phrases, compound words and idiomatic expressions of American English? Each day the Wordcels Puzzle provides 15 words that must be arranged to form 16 expressions. Give it a try.
