Crossword Clue Reveals Sour Taste

The 5-letter answer to 'It leaves a sour taste in your mouth' is LEMON

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored silkscreen print featuring a grid of stylized lemon icons in neon shades of yellow, orange, and pink, with heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the sour taste and unsatisfactory nature of a defective product.A vibrant pop art interpretation of the humble lemon, a fruit that can leave a sour taste but also represents a defective or unsatisfactory artifact.Washington Today

The crossword clue 'It leaves a sour taste in your mouth' was recently featured in the Washington Post Daily Mini Meta Crossword on April 9, 2026. The 5-letter answer to this clue is LEMON, which can refer to a strong yellow color or a defective or unsatisfactory artifact, especially an automobile.

Why it matters

Crossword puzzles are a beloved pastime for many, providing mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment when clues are solved. This particular clue taps into the common idiom of something 'leaving a sour taste in your mouth,' which evokes a negative or unpleasant experience. Revealing the answer can help crossword enthusiasts progress in their puzzles.

The details

The crossword clue 'It leaves a sour taste in your mouth' was part of the Washington Post Daily Mini Meta Crossword published on April 9, 2026. The 5-letter answer to this clue is LEMON, which can refer to both a strong yellow color and a defective or unsatisfactory artifact, especially an automobile. The clue definitions provided helpful hints, including the verb 'mouth' meaning to express in speech or articulate silently, and the noun 'taste' referring to the faculty of distinguishing sweet, sour, bitter, and salty properties in the mouth.

  • The crossword clue was featured in the Washington Post Daily Mini Meta Crossword on April 9, 2026.

The players

Washington Post

A major American daily newspaper published in Washington, D.C.

Christine Mielke

The author of the article providing the crossword clue answer.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Crossword puzzles continue to be a popular pastime, challenging solvers to think creatively and expand their vocabulary. This particular clue taps into a common idiom, providing an opportunity for crossword enthusiasts to learn a new word or phrase that can be applied to their daily lives.