lemon

Related to lemon: lime

(go) suck a lemon

An expression of anger, scorn, or disdain. Primarily heard in US, Canada. Charles: "You never do any chores around the house, you just leave them for the rest of us!" Sam: "Oh, go suck a lemon, Charles! I don't have to listen to your crap." I can't believe you told your teacher to suck a lemon after she yelled at you.
See also: lemon, suck

buy a lemon

To buy something that is worthless or of much less value than one was led to believe. Considering how often that car breaks down, I think I bought a lemon from the dealership. Sure, it sounded like a good deal at the time, but you bought a total lemon!
See also: buy, lemon

Do me a lemon!

You must be joking; I can't believe this; that's nonsense. A slang phrase specific to London, England. Do me a lemon, man! No way I'm paying for tap water. You're going to fine me for spitting on the footpath? Do me a lemon!

hand (one) a lemon

To give or sell something to one without revealing that the item is not a good as it seems. Considering how often that car breaks down, I think the dealership handed you a lemon.
See also: hand, lemon

lemon

Something that is worthless or much less valuable than one was led to believe. It sounded like a good deal at the time, but this car he sold me is a total lemon!

lemon law

A law requiring an automobile manufacturer or dealer to replace, repair, or refund the cost of an automobile that proves to be defective after purchase. The automotive company will be shelling out millions of dollars in refunds for faulty ignition switches because congress passed much tighter lemon laws this summer.
See also: law, lemon

the answer's a lemon

old-fashioned A derisive or dismissive answer to a question that is impertinent, foolish, or ridiculous. Primarily heard in UK. A: "The government is in service of us, so why should we have to pay taxes to them?" B: "The answer's a lemon—maybe the next time you have a thought, keep it to yourself."
See also: lemon

when life gives you lemons, make lemonade

proverb Focus on the good in a bad situation and take action accordingly. While I was devastated to lose my job, being unemployed gave me the time to finally go back to school. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, right?
See also: give, life, make
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the answer's a lemon

the response or outcome is unsatisfactory. informal
A lemon here is used to represent a bad, unsatisfactory, or disappointing thing, possibly because the lemon is the least valuable symbol that can be achieved by playing a fruit machine.
See also: lemon

hand someone a lemon

pass off a substandard article as good; swindle someone.
See also: hand, lemon, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (go) suck a egg
  • (go) suck a lemon
  • go suck an egg
  • suck it
  • go (and) boil your head
  • bits and bobs
  • go and eat coke
  • be at a loose end
  • at a loose end
  • bits and pieces
References in periodicals archive
SERVES: 6 PREPARATION TIME: 20 MINUTES PLUS FREEZING INGREDIENTS | 2 unwaxed lemons | 2 tbsp manuka honey |
Honey & lemon ice lollies
The high amounts of antioxidants in lemon peel can help prevent cellular damage and oxidative stress, which if uncontrolled could lead to tissue damage and faster aging.
Lemon Peel Health Benefits You Can Get Easily
Lemon, on the other hand, is closely linked to reducing indigestion and heartburn!
Amazing Benefits of Lemon Ginger Tea
For a more understated approach, style a lemon emblazoned tee with jeans and trainers or dip your toe into the look with accessories.
JUICY FRUIT; Forget florals or stripes, fruits are the print to wear in 2019. Philippa Gerrard explains why lemons are the pick of the bunch
Lemon soda is a decades old traditional drink of the twin cities.
Lemon soda a favourite summer drink in twin cities
An added benefit of lemon is that the flavor boost they give food can help you avoid less healthy additions like salt or sugar.
The Many Benefits of Lemons
Everything must be fresh (fresh egg whites and fresh lemon juice).
TOP 5 COCKTAIL RECIPES: MAKE YOUR OWN
Caption: Lemon juice in your drinking water will deliver a dose of vitamin C and may ease cold symptoms.
Daily Doses
Not only is the government promoting traceability in cultivation areas, the production line for lemon juice extraction must also pass certification to prevent pesticide residue, AFA said.
Taiwan certified lemons gain popularity at local and international markets
The Oxnard Lemon facility consists of a packinghouse and related equipment on 13 acres strategically located less than a mile from the port of Hueneme and with packing capacity of 4m cartons per year.
Limoneira Acquires California-Based Oxnard Lemon Packing House
To make lemon filling, whisk eggs, sugar, cream, lemon rind and lemon juice in a bowl.
Lime& honey
Lemon earrings are a thing at Accessorize, Jacquemus and boutique brands including Wolf & Moon.
Fruit prints: Summer's hottest style
If you have taken a look at Twitter this morning, you probably thought the world was ending, but instead it was just everyone's reaction to the news Fanta Lemon may have been discontinued.
Fanta Lemon has apparently been discontinued and people are outraged; Fans of the drink have described the claims as the "worst news"
PESHAWAR -- No citrus fruit is perhaps versatile and fruitful than 'Lemon' to keep Rozadars hydrate for long hours during the holy month of Ramadan.
Lemon-versatile citrus fruits to keep Rozadars' hydrates for long hours: Expert
When life hands you lemons, plant more lemon trees.
Lemon Tree branches out