1
general::
Phrase(s): pan out 1. [and] zoom out
to move back to a wider angle picture using a zoom lens. • The camera zoomed out. • Pan out at this point in the script and give a wider view of the scene. 2. Go to turn out (all right).
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Turn out well, succeed, as in If I don't pan out as a musician, I can always go back to school. This expression alludes to washing gold from gravel in a pan. [Mid-1800s] In addition to the idiom beginning with PANTS, Also see ANTS IN ONE'S PANTS; BEAT THE PANTS OFF; CAUGHT WITH ONE'S PANTS DOWN; GET THE LEAD OUT OF (ONE'S PANTS); KICK IN THE PANTS; SEAT OF THE PANTS; TALK SOMEONE'S ARM (PANTS) OFF; WEAR THE PANTS.
American Heritage Idioms