The answer's a lemon

Posted by James Briggs on March 02, 2001

'The answer's a lemon' is a saying common in British English. It is used as a response meaning 'nothing doing' when asked a question which is regarded as unreasonable or ridiculous.

I can find no origin for this use of 'lemon', although one source does indicate that this sense of the goes back to c1910 for 'something worthless'. The earliest use, mid C19, is for 'a person of sour disposition'. This use is clear.

Any help with the c1910 version?

• The answer's a lemon R. Berg 03/02/01
  • The answer's a lemon James Briggs 03/03/01