expression, godan verb (-ru)
flash before one's eyes (of memories)
Idiomatic expression likening a rapid succession of memories to the rotating pictures of a revolving lantern (走馬灯). Often used in near-death or emotionally intense moments.
See also: 走馬灯
At the moment of the accident, memories of my life flashed before my eyes like a revolving lantern.
走馬灯のように駆け巡る過去の光景に、彼は思わず涙した。
He couldn't help but cry at the scenes from the past that flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern.