"Proverbial Lemon" refers to anything that doesn't function properly. Commonly used for cars which have problems no one can fix, it can also refer to a flashlight, a radio, or anything mechanical.
Captain Picard: The Federation may be buying a "Proverbial Lemon". (Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Price")
by The Slang Overwatcher October 17, 2017
Get the proverbial lemonmug.