Would you tell me whether I am right with my interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentence?
What! Try a thing like that on my friend? The answer’s a lemon.
the answer’s a lemon = that can not jump
Thank you for your efforts.
It’s an American expression.
If something is described as ‘a lemon’ it is usually defective (often a faulty car is referred to this way) so “The answer is a lemon” means an unsatisfactory response - it’s a derisive reply, expressing contempt for the idea.