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Phrase(s): 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs